Mahonri Schwalger: Centre of a storm
Mahonri Schwalger's demise as Samoa's captain has prompted anger in the Pacific Island nation, with the largest daily newspaper calling him "the people's captain" and describing his ousting as "a comedy of errors and a sad tragedy."
The Samoa Observer said coach Stephan Betham had made a mistake in dropping World Cup captain Schwalger from the squad for next month's Pacific Nations Cup.
Betham had said that Schwalger was replaced because of "the age factor", as 31-year-old Schwalger was unlikely to be in Samoa's 2015 World Cup team so it was time to introduce younger talent.
Schwalger has been a standout player for the Chiefs in Super Rugby this season and he had said his axing was not because of his age but because he had criticised Samoa Rugby Union officials after last year's World Cup.
He had said the social activities of officials at the World Cup had disrupted the team's preparation for key matches and claimed team clothing and equipment had been sold for personal profit.
"I knew it would cost me my international career" but "if it means that the (Samoa) will go forward without me then that's a sacrifice I will take," said Schwalger.
The newspaper added that Betham had offered only "veiled excuses" for omitting a player "playing the best rugby of his life."
"Perhaps someone should remind the folks at SRU that the people of this country are not stupid and that they should stop pulling these PR disasters," said the Samoa Observer .
"It's an embarrassment for this country.
"The Manu Samoa (team), after all, is not owned by the folks running the Samoa Rugby Union. This is a team that's owned by the people of this country - the very people who gave their lunch money so that the team could attend the Rugby World Cup last year.
"Today it's fair to say there is hardly a soul out there that's not hurt and deeply offended by the decision."
The newspaper said other World Cup players dropped from the squad -Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, Seilala Mapusua, George Stowers and Alesana Tuilagi - had all supported Schwalger.
"Somebody within the SRU should explain," the newspaper said. "While we wait, the SRU should also take a leaf from Schwalger's book in terms of class, dignity and poise."
Comments
fiwiboy says...
cuw3100, none of the players mentioned in the story can be picked by england -- ever. We're talking RU here, not RL!
Posted 04:34 27th May 2012
seapointer says...
roy keane criticised the irish football association in a very similar way in walking out of the Korea/japanese world cup..... and it gave the Football Association of Irleand the kick it need. hopefully this does the same for samoa
Posted 15:49 24th May 2012
neilyweily says...
Regardless of whether he's going to be around in 2015 you keep him in to guide the new crop of players through their introduction to test rugby over the next 12 - 24 months. Gutting your team of all the experienced players at the same moment is not the smartest move in the world. Look at England in 2004! Schwalger is pure class: as a player, as a captain and most importantly when those young fellas need someone to look to when unsure of what to do next. However, sadly I don't expect sense to prevail when egos have been righly bruised.
Posted 11:42 24th May 2012
firepower says...
your absolutely right @tweedledee49 Tonga and Samoa Rugby suffered in the same issue.
Posted 07:51 24th May 2012
tweedledee49 says...
Schwalger did not deserve to be axed. Hes been having a heck of a battle with Elliot this year for the number 2 jersey (Both in great form) and for a 34 year old his been doing some massive hits.
A similar thing happened with the Tongan Rugby Union regarding Nili Latu and a few other players. its sad that this type of BS is polluting this lovely sport
Posted 05:15 24th May 2012
firepower says...
Samoan coach made a very big mistake. Mahonri Schwalger has done everything to his country. I think Mahonri is the best hooker in Samoa since the great Peter Fatialofa. I would love to see him back to represent his country.
Posted 20:29 23rd May 2012
cuw3100 says...
be careful Samoa; England may pick then in 2015 :)
Posted 11:24 23rd May 2012
powerplay says...
what esle would one expect after a dumb decision???
Posted 22:56 22nd May 2012
Bones7 says...
Hear hear! He has conducted himself fantastically on and off the field and had the balls to stand up for his team in public
Posted 16:25 22nd May 2012
kybone says...
Well what a group of players to leave out! I don't think theres a team out there that could afford not to pick that lot. Obviously something is amiss.
Posted 16:18 22nd May 2012
melkdave says...
I dont think that being 34 come the next RWC is to old for a hooker,after all quite a few players have played in the RWC who are older and in more demading positions.That said though now is the right time to blood talant ,so the coach is right on that score.Personnally i think he will be back l8r this year or next as he is a class player and leader teams cant do without them for long
Posted 16:01 22nd May 2012
APV1 says...
Hear! Hear!
Posted 15:10 22nd May 2012
Ramage says...
Seems Samoa also have their silly old farts or blazer brigade who are more concerned about their own position and being able to lord it over others. Schwalger pointed out how some of the Samoan administration on the RWC scene were more of a hindrance than a help and they have acted quickly and savagely. The idea that a hooker is too old at 31 is as laughable as finding an OZ referee who is up to refereeing Super 15 let alone test rugby. Or an assistant OZ referee who can read a number on the back of a jersey. Boy they moved quickly to protect themselves. It should be some of those blazers who were sacked not Schwalger.
Posted 14:49 22nd May 2012