Emerging Tongan talent Kyren Taumoefolau appears poised to commit himself to the All Blacks as the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup begins.
The Moana Pasifika winger has made a notable impact in Super Rugby Pacific this season, netting five tries in just four appearances.
Born and raised in New Zealand, Taumoefolau honoured his family heritage by representing Tonga at the 2023 World Cup.
Kyren Taumoefolau jumps over Ruben Love. Stan
Should he choose not to don the Tonga jersey again, the 21-year-old will be eligible to play for the All Blacks come October next year.
“If the chance arose, I would certainly seize it,” Taumoefolau expressed. “It has been my dream since I was four, running around with a rugby ball in the backyard, to wear the black jersey.”
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Kyren Taumoefolau of Moana Pasifika makes a break before dotting down a try. Getty
Based in Auckland, Moana Pasifika serves as a vital pathway for players from Tonga and Samoa.
“Exactly what the rule was designed for,” former Fiji coach Simon Raiwalui quipped on social media.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has a wealth of quality players available on the wings, but Taumoefolau is sure to make a strong case for inclusion.
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“In truth, (Joseph-Aukuso) Suaalii is probably not the most talented, tall, 21-year-old back three Pasifika athlete in the competition at the moment,” Paul Cully of Dunedin remarked in the The Sydney Morning Herald.
“That honour belongs to Moana Pasifika’s Kyren Taumoefolau, who scored two tries against the Force and executed a breathtaking overhead AFL-style catch that was undeniably the most impressive individual skill of the weekend.”
Taumoefolau, who famously vaulted over Hurricanes fullback Ruben Love during round five, has drawn comparisons to his former Tonga teammate Israel Folau.
“The way he strides into his high ball catches is reminiscent of a triple jumper,” remarked Morgan Turinui on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
“He currently weighs 10-15 kg less than Folau, but they seem to have discovered another star – an absolute superstar.
“Whenever he’s near the ball – as a commentator – I’m not focused on the play around him. I’m solely interested in him and how he’ll impact it. That’s the marker of a truly remarkable talent.”
Taumoefolau credited his rapid advancement this season to his coach, Tana Umaga at Moana Pasifika.
“Tana has been the best coach I’ve had. He has believed in me since I joined, when I was only 20,” Taumoefolau stated.
“Having someone of his calibre backing me and enabling me to play with self-assurance and trust in my abilities is fantastic.”
Taumoefolau is set to start on the left wing for Moana Pasifika in Friday’s matchup (5.05pm kickoff AEDT) against the currently dominant Chiefs in Pukekohe.
Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs
FRI 21 March: Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe (5.05pm kickoff AEDT)
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage (c), Allan Craig, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Pepesana Patafilo, Losi Filipo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Tevita Ofa, Tuna Tuitama
CHIEFS (1-15): Jared Profitt, Bradley Slater, Reuben O’Neill, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Kaylum Boshier, Luke Jacobson (c), Xavier Roe, Damian McKenzie, Leroy Carter, Gideon Wrampling, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Aidan Ross, Sione Ahio, James Thompson, Jahrome Brown, Cortez Ratima, Josh Jacomb, Quinn Tupaea
Referee: Marcus Playle
Assistant Referees: Angus Mabey, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Shane McDermott
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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