Get ready, because the upcoming clash between the Kiwis and Samoa is shaping up to be a brutal battle! Joseph Tapine, a key player for the Kiwis, sat down with Sport Nation's Sam Ackerman to give us a sneak peek into the Pacific Championships opener at Go Media Stadium this weekend.
Jumping into the Kiwis camp right after the NRL season is a whirlwind, but Tapine is already focused on building team chemistry. He knows what it takes to succeed.
"It's a tough one," Tapine admitted. "We all know how to play footy; it's about building those combinations."
He continued, "We had a pretty intense training session the other day, and we have another big one today, so we're making sure we have good intent. The boys are firing."
Ackerman predicts a clash of titans, with Payne Haas, Junior Paulo, and Josh Papali'i facing off against Tapine, James Fisher-Harris, and Moses Leota in the middle. "I hope that Go Media Stadium has some earthquake proofing," Ackerman joked.
"The first 15 to 20 minutes is going to be a blood bath," Tapine responded. "That's what we train for; we're keen. The boys have been talking about that and going after them, so that's our goal this week."
Ackerman is particularly excited to see Tapine face his Raiders teammate and friend, Josh Papali'i.
"We'll go at it during the game and enjoy a cold one after," Tapine said. "He's probably one of my best mates. I know there’ll be no love lost after the game, but we’re playing for our country, so it’s going to be pretty intense out there."
Tapine's intensity is well-known, as NZ Warriors fans experienced firsthand when his Raiders played the Wahs in Auckland this year, winning 16-10 in Round 12.
"Coming home and getting booed gave me a bit of extra fire," Tapine said. "I could tell the Warriors fans didn’t really like me after that; I had to turn my messages off."
But those fans can turn from haters to fans as the No. 13 looks to use this year's tournament as preparation for next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
"Going into the World Cup next year, we have to build into that," Tapine said. "We need to put that jersey where it belongs and put some respect on our jersey. There will be a point to prove this year. Some of their players across the forward packs are the most dominant in the NRL; I’m looking forward to the challenge."
The Kiwis play Toa Samoa at 6:05pm on Sunday 19 October at Go Media Stadium.
What do you think? Will the Kiwis be able to withstand the 'blood bath'? Share your predictions in the comments below!
