After twenty tests with the Kiws, Tuivasa-Sheck opted to switch to Samoa in 2024. Photo: PhotoSport
Kiwis vs Toa Samoa
6.05pm Sunday October 19
GO Media Stadium Auckland
Live blog updates on RNZ
Despite being in supposedly enemy territory, Toa Samoa superstar Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has received the heroes treatment in Auckland this week.
For the first time in his illustrious career, 'RTS' will line up against a New Zealand side, when Samoa meet the Kiwis in the Pacific Championships opener.
However, regardless of the jersey swap, Tuivasa-Sheck still has a force of fans in Aotearoa.
He along with fellow marquee names Payne Haas and Jarome Luai were swarmed by Samoan supporters at a meet and greet on Wednesday.
"We get lots of love from our community and our fans. It's all about power of the community, the power of the people, and we can feel the love that they come and show for us. So, we've got to represent them as much as we can and try to do them proud."
The Kiwi fans were both out-matched and out-voiced by the Samoans in Mount Albert, and the support may be a harbinger of a Toa takeover at Mount Smart this Sunday.
"The Samoan flags outnumber the New Zealand, so it's a good start for us."
Auckland may be set for a Toa takeover this weekend. Photo: Photosport
After twenty tests with the Kiws, Tuivasa-Sheck opted to switch to Samoa in 2024, touring with the team to England in November.
Tuivasa-Sheck said to reconnect with his cultural roots has been a powerful experience.
"To get to run alongside the usos, to be around the boys again, it's been awesome. To learn about our language, our faith and just believing that the higher power brings us all together."
Tuivasa-Sheck will start at fullback and lead a powerhouse Samoan side which features Luai and Haas, as well as Junior Paulo, Brian To'o, Blaize Talagi and Josh Papalii.
With a star-studded squad, Tuivasa-Sheck believed that Toa could pull off an upset win over the Kiwis.
"I feel confident we can put on a good performance and and get a good result for us."
Samoa team to play Kiwis:
1. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 2. Murray Taulagi 3. Izack Tago 4. Deine Mariner 5. Brian To'o 6. Blaize Talagi 7. Jarome Luai 8. Josh Papalii 9. Jazz Tevaga 10. Payne Haas 11. Jeremiah Nanai 12. Jaydn Su'A 13. Junior Paulo.
Interchange: 14. Chanel Harris-Tavita 15. Simi Sasagi 16. Terrell May 17. Francis Molo.
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