News
October 31, 2025
Kiwis v Tonga: New Zealand enforcer Joseph Tapine says huge Tongan crowd will ‘fuel the fire’
A recent North Island road trip included an emotional visit to his Rūātoki marae.
**Kiwis v Tonga: New Zealand enforcer Joseph Tapine says huge Tongan crowd will ‘fuel the fire’**
Kiwi enforcer Joseph Tapine is bracing himself for a fiery atmosphere when New Zealand takes on Tonga, predicting the passionate support for the Tongan side will only serve to ignite his own performance. Tapine, a cornerstone of the Kiwis pack, anticipates a massive turnout of Tongan supporters, creating a wall of sound that will reverberate throughout the stadium.
Rather than being intimidated by the expected vocal dominance of the Tongan fans, Tapine believes it will act as a powerful motivator for him and his teammates. "It's going to be massive," Tapine said, referring to the anticipated crowd. "But that just fuels the fire. It gets you up for it even more."
The forward's comments come after a period of reflection and connection with his roots. Tapine recently embarked on a North Island road trip, which included a deeply personal and emotional visit to his Rūātoki marae. This journey back to his ancestral lands provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to his heritage, further strengthening his resolve to perform at his best for the Kiwis.
The visit to Rūātoki offered Tapine a chance to reconnect with his whānau and the values that underpin his life. It served as a powerful reminder of who he is and what he represents, both on and off the field. He draws strength from his heritage, and carries this with him as he prepares to face the challenge posed by Tonga.
Tapine's experience highlights the importance of cultural connection and the positive impact it can have on athletes. As he prepares to face the passionate Tongan supporters, he will be drawing on the strength and inspiration he gained from his visit to Rūātoki, ready to embrace the challenge and lead the Kiwis forward. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, fueled by passion, pride, and the unwavering support of fans on both sides.
Kiwi enforcer Joseph Tapine is bracing himself for a fiery atmosphere when New Zealand takes on Tonga, predicting the passionate support for the Tongan side will only serve to ignite his own performance. Tapine, a cornerstone of the Kiwis pack, anticipates a massive turnout of Tongan supporters, creating a wall of sound that will reverberate throughout the stadium.
Rather than being intimidated by the expected vocal dominance of the Tongan fans, Tapine believes it will act as a powerful motivator for him and his teammates. "It's going to be massive," Tapine said, referring to the anticipated crowd. "But that just fuels the fire. It gets you up for it even more."
The forward's comments come after a period of reflection and connection with his roots. Tapine recently embarked on a North Island road trip, which included a deeply personal and emotional visit to his Rūātoki marae. This journey back to his ancestral lands provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and connection to his heritage, further strengthening his resolve to perform at his best for the Kiwis.
The visit to Rūātoki offered Tapine a chance to reconnect with his whānau and the values that underpin his life. It served as a powerful reminder of who he is and what he represents, both on and off the field. He draws strength from his heritage, and carries this with him as he prepares to face the challenge posed by Tonga.
Tapine's experience highlights the importance of cultural connection and the positive impact it can have on athletes. As he prepares to face the passionate Tongan supporters, he will be drawing on the strength and inspiration he gained from his visit to Rūātoki, ready to embrace the challenge and lead the Kiwis forward. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter, fueled by passion, pride, and the unwavering support of fans on both sides.
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Sports