Speaking Maori, Samoan in Post-match Interviews

[FujiKiwi]

I think this is great. Patrick Tuipolotu has started all his post-match interviews as captain with a few words in Samoan. On Saturday, TJ Perenara opened with some words of respect in Maori to the local iwi (confederation of tribes).

It's an excellent way to celebrate the cultures that have given rugby so much. It's also a motivator for people to learn at least some basic words and phrases. I understood TJ's words but not Patrick's which made me want to get out of my comfort zone and learn a few expressions in Samoan.

It'd be awesome to hear some Gaelic or Welsh from our Celtic brothers in the north in post-match interviews, too. Would that work, or would it sound too forced?

[Monkey Magic]

Seems to be a big focus at the blues - with Even Tana throwing it into his mid half interviews.

Think TJ tried some Welsh with the saders assistant on the weekend as well.

As long as it done properly I.e. not just mangled cliches I think it's fantastic. Save the mangled cliches for the English part of the interview

[FujiKiwi]

Yes, Tana did it as well. I forgot that.

I don't get the Samoan, but TJ's few words of mihi to Tainui were given with seeming sincerity. He knew what he was saying, obviously, and that showed.

You'd never want this to become a gimmick, a chore or a formality, but so far it hasn't been.

I'd really like to hear some Welsh or Gaelic from Celtic captains in future.

[Auckman]

Tuipulotu - meh I don't really like it. Theye're in NZ, not Samoa. If anything, he should maybe do a mihi in maori if he really has to do something.

However, I guess there has been a big emphasis on this kind of personal development at the Blues. I heard a lot of the NZ-borns are learning the language, as is Umaga.

[FujiKiwi]

Samoan heritage, culture and language aren't the same as Samoan nationality. The former play a big part of the Blues' region and the Blues team.

[Muttonbird]

Tuipulotu - meh I don't really like it. Theye're in NZ, not Samoa. If anything, he should maybe do a mihi in maori if he really has to do something.

However, I guess there has been a big emphasis on this kind of personal development at the Blues. I heard a lot of the NZ-borns are learning the language, as is Umaga.

Good to get your perspective, big guy. In my ten years of pretty crappy posting you have always stood out as someone with huge integrity. Good to have met you, twice.