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elhombrecito Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jan/09/charles-piutau-pacific-islands-team-rugby-union-bristol Bristol's Charles Piutau: 'I'd love to play in a Pacific Islanders team' The centre is wary of his troublesome achilles tendon but still has ambitions to fulfil, starting with Saturday’s visit to Exeter There are split seconds in sport when world-class players show precisely why they are so special. In the 18th minute of last weekend’s Premiership game between Bristol and Newcastle there was a particularly striking example, one of those flashes of pure genius that illuminate even the bleakest of January afternoons. The Falcons defence must have felt they had everything covered. Piers O’Conor, the Bristol centre, had just thrown a hasty, misdirected offload which had bounced loose within 10 metres of the visiting line. Cue a blue and red blur of irresistible skill: a deft one-handed scoop off the deck, a glorious dummy and an unstoppable surge past three opponents for a try no ordinary mortal would have contemplated. Similarly strong, if less obvious, was the full gale force of relief experienced by the scorer, playing his first league game for four months. Even the planet’s most valuable rugby players have their occasional low moments and Charles Piutau, who arrived in Bristol in 2018 on a deal worth an initial £1m per season, admits to fearing that a frustrating achilles problem might never properly heal. “At times there is that doubt: ‘Am I fully going to recover from this? Am I going to get to a point where I potentially have to call it quits?’ Anyone who has had achilles problems knows it’s a tough injury to come back from. I was running in a lot of pain before. To be running freely and not having that pain coming through from my body makes a huge difference.” Bristol are already feeling the reflected glow. Another shimmering talent returning to a team already stuffed with extravagant attacking potential is also a new year bonus for the entire league. If it wasn’t January and cold enough to freeze everyone’s fingertips what scorch marks might Piutau, his fellow superstar Semi Radradra, and the rapid Siva Naulago be leaving? Saturday’s top-of-the-table game at Premiership co-leaders Exeter, either way, should be a cracker. Which raises another question: is the world of rugby missing the most obvious of promotional open goals? This week all the attention has been on whether this summer’s British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa will proceed. Imagine if there was also a full-strength Pacific Island touring side who, every four years, assembled to test the pride of Europe? Piutau and his brother Sione, Radradra, Leone Nakarawa, Peceli Yato, Josua Tuisova, Sinoti Sinoti and co, coached by Bristol’s inspirational Pat Lam and granted a high-profile licence to thrill? It might unlock the precious visiting gate revenue that, shamefully, has been denied Tonga, Fiji and Samoa for decades. The gifted Piutau has already represented his native New Zealand 17 times – he has a 100% win record as an All Black – but both his parents emigrated from Tonga to Auckland and he sees no obvious reason why dual-qualified players should not be allowed to bolster less well-resourced unions in future. The 29-year-old full-back also loves the idea of resurrecting the Pacific touring team concept, which flickered briefly between 2004 and 2008 only to disappear prematurely. “You’re talking about the best of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga … that would be some entertaining rugby. I’m sure everyone of Pacific Island heritage would love to be involved with a tour like that.” Piutau, a member of the Pacific Rugby Players Welfare board, would certainly be among them. “For sure. I’d be proud to represent the Pacific Islands. I know I probably won’t be the only one. There are a lot of Pacific Island guys out there.” It is for others to decide on stand-down periods and eligibility criteria but where there is a will, in Piutau’s view, there is a way. “Whatever it looks like, I think there should be more leeway for guys who are no longer playing for Tier One nations to help out their heritage nations. You want to have competitive and entertaining rugby and I think you’ll get that.” At which point it is worth day-dreaming about the name Piutau one day appearing on an England team sheet. Young Zion Piutau is not yet six months old but, while Bristol is currently home, his doting father has yet to reconcile himself to the possibility of him representing the red rose: “We’ll see but it’ll be tough trying to support him if he does wear an England jersey! I guess it depends where he’s playing when he grows up.” Good parenting is a subject upon which Piutau, the youngest of 10 children, has plenty of insight. Growing up in the unglamorous Auckland suburb of Mangere, his parents had five daughters followed by five sons – the brothers all slept together in the garage – and worked night and day to feed their family. Small wonder he gives daily thanks for everything rugby has given him since he first attended Wesley College – Jonah Lomu’s old school – and embarked on the path to sporting fulfilment. “The opportunity it’s brought for myself and my family has been immense and I’m truly grateful. To be playing and living the dream … I’m making the most of it until I have to retire.” Propelling Bristol to even greater heights before his contract expires next year would also repay a large chunk of the club’s investment. This is a big month for the Bears, with crunch European ties against Connacht and Clermont Auvergne, assuming they happen, set to follow their significant trip to Sandy Park. “Exeter are where every club wants to be and we’re similar to them,” suggests Piutau. “Like Exeter we’ve come from the Championship and we have high aspirations. For us it’s a massive game to see where we are.” Which means, among other things, that Exeter’s defence should beware any more loose balls bouncing in Piutau’s direction. “The move last week obviously didn’t go as planned so it was just a bit of instinct. I was trying to make something out of it and was lucky enough to scoop the ball up. For me it was really just about enjoying being on the field again. I’d missed being out there with the team so much.” Given a dry ball and a bit more possession, Bristol’s restored gem now fancies helping the Bears sparkle even more. “In this weather it’s more about just doing the catch-pass basics well but if moments do come when we can add a little bit of X factor that would be a bonus. You never know when your time in rugby is going to be up so it’s about enjoying the season and trying to achieve the goals we have. Winning some silverware is the best way to make some memories.” 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CodeRed Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 22 hours ago, CyderInACan said: During lockdown you can start when you want mate! Not according to Mrs CodeRed ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRock Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Always thought I might have trouble choosing which side to support in a big match when Exeter (closest and very successful team, many local born and bred players)) played against Bristol (Bristol Sport, Ashton Gate, my father’s team). The day has arrived ...and it’s easy...... Come on you Bears! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanburyRed Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Leading 7-0.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Amazing pundits when wasps aren't playing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 7 - 7 ht Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidercity1987 Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 In the spirit of getting into Rugby I would like to know who are the biggest and best supported European teams? On a basic Twitter follower search I see some of the French teams such as Bordeaux, Toulon and all the Irish clubs particularly Leinster appear to be very well supported. Is that true? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Red Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Sinckler "are you f*****g serious?" 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MichaelRobartes Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Sinckler is such a gobshite on the pitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayne allisons tongues Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 https://www.skysports.com/rugby-union/news/12321/12183202/coronavirus-french-sports-ministry-wants-games-against-british-clubs-postponed This could make the 6 nations and cup competitions a farce. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Great win 7 - 20! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 43 minutes ago, Northern Red said: Sinckler "are you f*****g serious?" Got a bollocking as well! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Absolutely brilliant performance. So solid defensively. Very very impressive. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Red Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Just now, Robbored said: Got a bollocking as well! Other refs might have sent him off to be fair. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 That was a terrific performance and win against the European champions. Bears have become a formidable outfit under Pat Lam. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCFC Grim Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 STATEMENT. This really could be our year. What a defensive performance. I really can't wait to get back and watch the Rugby.....unlike the football. Which deep down is a shame. Why the hell Lansdown can't run the football like the Rugby???? Get in Bris!!!! 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elhombrecito Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Just now, BCFC Grim said: STATEMENT. This really could be our year. What a defensive performance. I really can't wait to get back and watch the Rugby.....unlike the football. Which deep down is a shame. Why the hell Lansdown can't run the football like the Rugby???? Get in Bris!!!! Because it would cost a hell of a lot more. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 What a performance. Jones has to get Randall in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss! Brilliant display. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 45 minutes ago, MichaelRobartes said: Sinckler is such a gobshite on the pitch That was poor. Lucky to stay on imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cidered abroad Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 1 minute ago, BCFC Grim said: STATEMENT. This really could be our year. What a defensive performance. I really can't wait to get back and watch the Rugby.....unlike the football. Which deep down is a shame. Why the hell Lansdown can't run the football like the Rugby???? Get in Bris!!!! I feel exactly the same. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Midred Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Bears top - chiefs 3rd! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanburyRed Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Great result for the Bears! Hugely impressive effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFC II Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Best 80 minutes of rugby we've played since Pat took over, everything about that performance was class. That was pretty much a full strength Exeter side and we reduced them to 1 try (which wasn't grounded), awesome stuff. What's so exciting is the likes of Randall, Lloyd, O'conor, Joyce all stepping up for the biggest games and putting in MOTM performances. A lot is said about the big money players, but it's these lt who make us tick, and it's so good to see. Shout out to Yann Thomas as well, who shored up that side of the scrum and gave us the momentum we needed at the set piece to get the 2nd try Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRock Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 Superb. Randall, the rugby version of Messi. An emerging master of the game. So smart and brave. Real pleasure listening to the honest and accurate post match manager interviews from the Directors. Such a contrast to football managers. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Oil Services Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 This win just shows/proves SL loves rugby/hates City. The tax dodging ..... 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedM Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 I was absolutely buzzing after that game. It’s a long time since I felt that about City. I never thought I would say that. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Red Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 11 minutes ago, TomF said: But but but what have Bristol ever done Bottle every game against anyone good, or something.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robbored Posted January 9, 2021 Report Share Posted January 9, 2021 7 minutes ago, RedM said: I was absolutely buzzing after that game. It’s a long time since I felt that about City. I never thought I would say that. I was buzzing as well RedM! As you say we’re not getting the buzz from the football team............... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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