‘One more goal’: Former All Black Laumape reignites Test dream with Tonga

Ngani Laumape has represented the All Blacks, broken records in Super Rugby, and played the sport professionally around the world. Laumape has enjoyed a popular sporting career across two codes, but the former All Black still has one last major goal to achieve.

RugbyPass reported in April 2024 that Laumape made himself available to play for Tonga at the Pacific Nations Cup, after the New Zealand-born centre had become eligible to switch international rugby allegiances about five months prior.

While Laumape didn’t play for the ‘Ikale Tahi during that World Rugby tournament, the powerful midfielder still intends to represent Tonga. After debuting for the All Blacks eight years ago against the British & Irish Lions, the 32-year-old made that clear on Saturday.

Le Roux reflects on 100th Test cap

Le Roux reflects on 100th Test cap

Laumape started at outside centre for the AUNZ Invitational XV against the Lions at Adelaide Oval, with the tourists running away with a commanding 48-nil win. It was a taste of international rugby for Laumape, who is hungrier than ever for a return to that level.

“I think for me it’s just a taste and I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Laumape told RugbyPass and Rugby.com.au after the AUNZ match in Adelaide.

“I’ve through 80 minutes and it’s just a great starting point, and it’s definitely making me hungrier for international footy.

“For me it’s with Tonga. I had my time in the All Blacks but for me I’ve achieved everything I want to in rugby but I’ve still got one more goal that I want to achieve and that’s playing for Tonga.”

Laumape was one of 17 internationally-capped players in the AUNZ side, and there was a sense of optimism among fans that maybe that team could shock the Lions, but it was clear early on that there was only ever going to be one winner.

Duhan van der Merwe scored the opener in the sixth minute, the first of three for the Scotland wing, before Ben White crossed soon after. The Lions took a 17-nil lead into the sheds at half time, but as has been the theme of the tour, the second term is when they make their mark.

Sione Tuipulotu and Scott Cummings scored a five-pointer each, before van der Merwe completed a hat-trick, meaning Scottish players had crossed for the first six tries of the contest. Ireland’s Ronan Kelleher and England’s Henry Pollock made their mark on the score late.

That was the Lions’ final hit-out before the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane. With one last chance to impress selectors before the Test opener, several players would’ve given coach Andy Farrell plenty to think about going into the Brisbane week.

“They’ve had time together. They’ve worked combinations and they’re looking pretty good now,” Laumape explained when asked about the Lions.

“I feel like they’re starting to peak at the right time.

“It’s good to see Owen Farrell back helping out with some of the young combinations there. I think it’s just good for the game.

“It’s different [to 2017] because when I played against the Lions back then in the All Blacks, we’re together for a couple of weeks. We had combinations and time together.

“I think today was about having fun and giving it a crack and just enjoying the moment.”