Tafa living the dream as Junior Wallabies prepare to take on New Zealand

Fri, May 3, 2019, 5:03 AM
Emma Greenwood
by Emma Greenwood
Junior Wallaby Pat Tafa can't wait to take on New Zealand. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley
Junior Wallaby Pat Tafa can't wait to take on New Zealand. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

Pat Tafa shakes his head at the realisation he suddenly has the chance to live out a boyhood dream.

The Logan product grew up staging backyard battles against his siblings, imagining of pulling on the gold jersey of Australia.

And the backrower will have that chance on Saturday when he lines up for the Junior Wallabies in their clash against New Zealand in the final of the Oceania U20 championships at Bond University on the Gold Coast.

"It means the world to me," Tafa said of representing Australia.

"I grew up playing in the backyard with my older siblings, I always watched the games of New Zealand versus Australia, so it's an honour to actually wear this jersey and to play New Zealand, it's a dream come true.

"I'm representing not only myself but my family, friends and all the coaches that have helped me get here."

The Tafa clan are of Samoan descent and the Waratahs-contracted no.8 has become a leader of men among his Junior Wallabies teammates.

Junior Wallaby Pat Tafa training on the Gold Coast. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

"Patty's really motivated to do well, he's great among the group and is a leader amongst our Polynesian boys as well," Junior Wallabies coach Jason Gilmore said.

"He's a quiet lad but really well driven and a good fella, so I know he's wanting to get game time tomorrow night and put his best foot forward."

Tafa's supporters are not quite as quiet.

With his family based in Logan Central, about 60km north of Bond Uni, the former Brisbane State High School student has had plenty of support throughout the tournament.

"It's always nice," he said of the support. "I still call Logan Central home. My mum and dad are here, my sister and grandparents and it's always an honour coming back and playing in front of them."

Tafa is now based in Sydney, on a Super Rugby contract with the Waratahs.

And while being home has its attractions, there are also dangers.

"Growing up on corned beef is how we get this big," the 194cm, 110kg Tafa said.

Junior Wallaby Pat Tafa wins lineout ball against Fiji. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley

"Even coming back home is a bit temping food wide, mum and dad are always cooking and there's nothing more tempting than home-cooked food."

Whatever Tafa has been chowing down on, it's done him good.

He was among the Junior Wallabies' best in their 16-0 win against Fiji on Tuesday night, a match that allowed them to head into Saturday's clash against New Zealand undefeated through their opening two rounds of the Oceania championship and in line for the title if they can beat the baby All Blacks.

"That's always been the goal every year to take out Oceania and play well," said Tafa, who was involved in the Junior Wallabies' set-up for the first time last year.

"Definitely against a side like New Zealand, they're big boys and real good at skills and stuff and that's definitely something we've got to match up."

While he has not yet made his Super Rugby debut, Tafa has already learnt plenty from being in the Tahs' camp after making the decision to leave Queensland to further his career.

"After the Super Rugby training experience, it's definitely matured our performances on and off the field," he said of the several Junior Wallabies that have returned from Super clubs.

"Just the way we think and the way we play, it's definitely played a massive role in our performance. There's more to offer."

 

Making the decision to move from Queensland was tough but has paid off for the 19-year-old.

"I just made the switch to NSW for more opportunities and just a different feel and it's definitely made me into the player I am today," he said.

"I'm very grateful and blessed for that. I was looking for a change, just a challenge for myself.

"I've always grown up playing in Queensland, but for me there was nothing really doing (with the Reds), so I was just hoping for a better opportunity in NSW."

The Junior Wallabies take on New Zealand in the final match of the Oceania U20 championships at Bond University on the Gold Coast on Saturday, May 4, at 7pm after Fiji and Japan clash at 5pm, with all games streamed LIVE on RUGBY.com.au.

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