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Published 13:10 9 Aug 2022 BST
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"When I first started footy," he tells us, "making it pro felt like the goal, but the All Blacks felt like a massive pipe-dream. Once my peers started making All Blacks squads, I was thinking I could really do this, too. I've always wanted to be an All Black, and that is the next goal for me."Although it would be his greatest honour to kit out and line-up for the All Blacks, that did not stop him from hugging it out with an ecstatic Irish fan after the recent Test Series against Andy Farrell's team. [caption id="attachment_269050" align="aligncenter" width="636"]
Naitoa Ah Kuoi of the Chiefs pictured at FMG Stadium Waikato, in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)[/caption]
"Even if that is at the expense of New Zealand, I always put myself in the shoes of the Irish fans, and you can see that it's unreal for them. "I went to the Irish pub to watch the Third Test with a teammate of mine here, Kurt Eklund, who plays for the Blues. For me, I was just there to watch the game and enjoy the whole experience. "It was awesome to see the Irish people smiling and having a good time. When they won, I remember just hugging this Irish guy. He was saying, 'Man, you guys are such nice people'. I was just saying congratulations and he, honestly, was in disbelief. I remember thinking, 'That guy is so happy, so I'm happy for him'. "It's probably bad for someone that wants to be an All Black, to be saying that, but I'm a guy that wants everyone to have a good time. And those Irish guys were someone that haven't had something like that happen to them and, to see the smiles on their faces was awesome."Brodie Retallick's broken cheekbone has him out of action for the foreseeable, with Sam Whitelock and Scott Barrett the current locks. For now, Ah Kuoi will keep plugging away with Bay of Plenty and doing all he can to stay ready, in case the big call comes.
Prendergast admits huge disappointment at Munster situation
Not ideal. It’s worrying times for Munster rugby at the moment, with problems on and off the field. After being knocked out of both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup, controversy then surrounded the appointment of Roger Randle for next season, due to historic rape accusations. The New Zealander is coming in to replace senior […]
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Kerry legend slams players for reaction to Michael Murphy punch
Not under his watch! Although the dust has pretty much settled after the Michael Murphy incident during Donegal’s NFL Division 1 final win over Kerry last month, one Kingdom legend is still not pleased with what went on. Most of the criticism was levelled at Murphy for his clear-as-day punch on Dylan Casey, as well […]
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The SportsJOE Friday Pub Quiz: Week 134
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