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Viliami Ma'afu of the Blues - Source: Photosport -
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At 28 years of age, most rugby players could be excused for
thinking that their opportunity had passed.
Take North Harbour No.8 Viliami Ma'afu, for example. Here is a guy
that had been plying his trade in the provincial scene for six
seasons, but because he had played Sevens rugby for Tonga, making
him ineligible for the All Blacks, his path into Super 14 rugby was
obstructed.
Enter Pat Lam to the rescue. The Blues coach, a former No.8 forward
himself, liked what he saw in Ma'afu and wanted him in his 2010
squad - although he knew he had a fight on his hands.
"He has been in North Harbour and I've kept my eye on him, but with
the New Zealand rule, you have to prove that there is no one better
if you are going to go with a Pacific Island player," Lam
says.
"We put a strong case for him this year and it went down to the
wire and we're thankful to the NZRU (that we have him in the
squad)."
There is little question that the NZRU can now feel vindicated with
Lam's faith in Ma'afu.
Along with centre Rene Ranger, the destructive No.8 has been the
find of the Super 14 season, but it is his work off the field that
has impressed Lam the most.
"He is a special person, he works hard off the ball and he is a
real professional, similar to Keven Mealamu, in his preparation for
the game.
"He goes out there and gives it his all, but he makes good
decisions as a number eight and that is what is pleasing me the
most."
Unfortunately for Lam, Ma'afu will be with his side for just the
one season.
He has decided to take up a contract in Japan at the end of the
Super 14 campaign, however the triple international - he has also
represented Tonga in tennis and golf - is likely to return to the
hallowed turf of Eden Park next year.
The All Blacks open their 2011 World Cup campaign against Tonga
and, injury permitting, Ma'afu is likely to be in the mix.
