'What's Moana Pasifika for then?': Ex-All Black sparks Aumua eligibility debate

Former All Black wing John Kirwan has questioned whether the All Blacks should be selecting players from the new Moana Pasifika franchise.

The expansion Super Rugby team was originally floated as a pathway to develop international quality players for Samoa and Tonga, but the case of centre Levi Aumua is set to test that purpose.

The in-form No 13 has been one of Moana Pasifika’s best players but he is eligible for multiple nations including Samoa, Fiji and New Zealand.

He was picked for the All Blacks XV end of year tour but team that does not capture his eligibility and all three options remain open.

“What’s Moana Pasifika for then?” Kirwan asked Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown panel.

“Two things, Moana Pasifika need to go back and base themselves in Apia, play a couple of games overseas.

“Why is he [Aumua] playing for Moana Pasifika is he’s available for New Zealand then? I don’t get it.

“I think he should be available for Samoa or Tonga. I thought that is what Moana Pasifika was for.”

The current Moana Pasifika squad has 18 eligible players for Samoa, 12 eligible for Tonga and 1 eligible Fijian which serves a purpose for the Pacific nations.

However like Aumua, a number of them have dual eligibility and could choose to still represent New Zealand.

Sky Sport commentator Ken Laban questioned whether Aumua would force his way into the All Blacks with congestion in the midfield stocks.

Chiefs pair Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea, Crusaders David Havili and Jack Goodhue, Blues centre Rieko Ioane and Hurricanes second five Jordie Barrett are all capped All Blacks fighting for midfield selection.

“If he wants to play for the All Blacks, he’s now in the conversation with Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, isn’t he?” Laban said.

“Put Levi’s name in there, that’s four. They are not going to pick four, are they?”

“I know it is a nice talking point, I know we are all very emotional and it is terrific.

“Of course, the question that JK just posed is unanswered.

“So what is the purpose of Moana Pasifika if it is not to provide a pathway to international rugby? But it wasn’t suppose to be for the All Blacks.”

However, ex-All Black winger Jeff Wilson defended Aumua’s right to choose what nation he wanted to play for.

Taking away a player’s dream was not the right thing to do.

“The remarkable thing about this, is this is not just this season,” Wilson said.

“He was brought into the All Blacks XV environment, which doesn’t commit him to playing for New Zealand.

“But he has admitted himself he wants to try and represent the All Blacks.

“I look at it JK and you know what, it’s his choice. I know he’s committed to this side [Moana Pasifika] and he’s playing well.

“But if he wants to be an All Black and chase that dream I think he should be allowed too.”