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'It's fitting': Samisoni Taukei'aho on why he chose the All Blacks over Tonga
While short-term contracts have become commonplace for New Zealand rugby stars, Samisoni Taukei’aho is bucking the trend and has signed on with NZR and the Chiefs until 2027.
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The signing secures the services of one of the world’s most damaging young hookers for the entirety of the next World Cup cycle, no doubt music to the ears of incoming All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson.
Born in Tonga, Taukei’aho first ventured to New Zealand when captaining the Tonga under-15’s team and was subsequently picked up by Hamilton powerhouse St Paul’s Collegiate, rising through the ranks to make his All Blacks debut in 2021.
The two tries scored on debut can be viewed retrospectively as a sign of things to come, but at the time with a logjam at the hooker position, Taukei’aho’s inclusion in the national squad was speculated to be short-lived and another example of New Zealand selecting Pasifika-born players and eliminating their Pacific eligibility with little reward in the black jersey.
The 25-year-old has since claimed 21 Test caps, scoring ten tries and is now widely regarded as New Zealand’s premier No 2.
“I’m really happy that deal’s done and I’m just looking forward to the next four years and this year as well,” Taukei’aho told Newshub.
“I was thinking about it, but I got the offer to stay on and live my dream here in New Zealand,” he said.
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“I really enjoy it, especially playing with your good mates and people who you know will be there for you on the field, and good buggers off the field as well.
“I’m really loving it… it makes me enjoy my footy and hopefully, I can play some good footy.”
Chiefs teammate Pita Gus Sowakula joined Taukei’aho in the All Blacks squad for the team’s opening series of 2022, the No 8 featured twice off the bench against Ireland but was not retained for the following Rugby Championship.
The brief nature of Sowakula’s All Blacks career drew criticism from fans as the 28-year-old possessed talent and experience that would have greatly contributed to his home nation of Fiji in their 2023 World Cup campaign, if it wasn’t for his Fijian eligibility being sacrificed in the pursuit of an All Blacks dream.
Taukei’aho reflected on his own experience as a Polynesian athlete in New Zealand and commented on the criticism New Zealand Rugby faces for their selections.
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“I feel like New Zealand developed my skills to be the player I am, so I don’t think NZ Rugby is stealing or doing anything from the islands,” he said. “I feel like my rugby has developed here in New Zealand and it’s fitting for me to represent New Zealand.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Rodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
14 Go to comments