Tietjens’ sees first-hand how money talks

SAMOA – Manu Samoa Sevens coach, Sir Gordon Tietjens, has experienced for the first time the methods by New Zealand to deny players from representing Samoa.

Ahead of the Wellington Sevens this week, Tietjens said the financial gains are often used to prevent players from donning the blue jersey and this will always be a struggle for Samoan rugby.

“I’ve only got a real understanding now of how hard it is to get any Samoan New Zealand-based player to come play for Samoa,” he said.

“I talked to one particular player with real interest who was playing at the Rotorua Sevens, he was really keen but all of a sudden New Zealand identified I was talking to him and they went off and did a contract with him.

“He wanted to play for Samoa but the financial gains from the contract made him opt otherwise. That’s why I feel that building depth on the island is better for Samoa.”

Tietjens made the comments after he named his first squad, having taken over the squad since January.

The team has been camping in New Zealand.

“The real reason why they are in New Zealand at the moment is to get an understanding of what high performance is,” he said.

And the results are promising.

“If I look at the data now, they are fitter than they have ever been. The average fitness of the players we have now is outstanding compared to what it was,” he said.

“We still got a way to go, but the improvement of some of the players are recording personal bests which is really pleasing.

“The challenge for those players –and also the players that have not made the squad– is that when they return to Samoa, they have to keep training hard.

“I’ve seen a difference in their skill levels and decision making. It’s getting better and better. It will take time but we need to produce consistent performances and I think with the shifts in nutrition and conditioning we will certainly see results.” - SO