Mafi keen to put the Force first

[The InnFORCEr]

Nick Taylor
May 20, 2015, 6:50 am


Western Force back-rower Steve Mafi is in line for a World Cup spot with Tonga, but he is looking no further than Saturday night’s Super Rugby clash with the Highlanders at nib Stadium.

Australian-born Mafi, 25, has been in impressive form, including a man-of-the-match display against the Waratahs, and Tonga high performance manager Peter Harding said he was “definitely under consideration” to add to his 10 Tests.

Mafi, who joined as one of the Force’s international marquee signings this season from English heavyweights Leicester Tigers, has been contacted by Tongan teammates asking if he will be in England in September.

The World Cup is being held in England and Wales from September 18 to October 31.

“I’m not too sure at the moment. I just want to focus on finishing off the season here and we’ll just see what happens,” Mafi said.

Mafi represented Australia at schoolboy and under-20 level before being chosen for Tonga.

He moved to Leicester from the Waratahs four years ago.

The Highlanders sounded a warning with a seven-try, 45-24 blitz of the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein last weekend but Mafi said the Force would have no problem regaining momentum despite having a bye following the 18-11 win over the Waratahs.

“The bye was a good thing. It gave us a week to reflect on the game against the Waratahs and see what we did well compared to other games,” Mafi said.

“It is all about attitude.

“If the boys can bring the same game we played against the Waratahs, we can hopefully have a smile on our face again.

“We set that benchmark against the Waratahs.”

Mafi has been in great form, particularly with his powerful ball-carrying in open field.

“My performance is based on the other boys. It comes down to a team effort. I play well when the boys play well,” he said.

“I love a bit of open play. I’ve spoken to Foles (coach Michael Foley) about it a few times but the main thing is I just want to be out there playing rugby.”

https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/sp...e-force-first/

[palitu]

I have been very impressed with Mafi. he has been a great find!

[chibi]

I'd love it if he plays for Tonga! The Rugby World Cup, and the Pacific Isles, need players like him.

In other Pacific Isles-related news, last week's Waratah try-scorer, Taqele Naiyaravoro looks set to play for Scotland via residency; but says he will ditch the Scots if the Wallabies come calling. I wonder if he would ditch the Wallabies if the All Blacks came calling? Would he ditch the All Blacks if State-of-Origin came calling? I reckon Fiji should name him in their world cup squad.

I understand money buying players to make for better club teams, but should test teams benefit from it?

I'm too old-fashioned for this mercenary modern game folks.

[jargan83]

Would he ditch the All Blacks if State-of-Origin came calling?

Couldn't even get out of Reserve Grade in the NRL.

[chibi]

Couldn't even get out of Reserve Grade in the NRL.

So All Blacks it is then?

[Alison]

I'm with you Chibi!! Whatever happened to playing simply for the pride of representing your country? 😢

[chibi]

I suppose the only thing I can think of, is that the money offered nowadays is so high that it would be negligent to a player's family to put your country first. But yeah, it's not a good look.

[palitu]

Well, his dream is to play international rugby, and if he isn't on the wallaby radar, limit you personal career? He want to play at Tue top level, and he has a way forward to do that. Mafi did it, so did many people.