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New Zealand Steelblacks 2016

For the first time since 2005, a New Zealand Mens representative team was put together in early 2016 to take on American Samoa in an International Friendly. A squad of 35 was pulled together from the best players across New Zealand with members from Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch, with the "Thunderbowl" game between Auckland and Wellington squads being a core part of the selection process.

Head Coach John Ikinepe ran several Camps in Auckland where players from outside Auckland travelled to Auckland for full squad training camps, and twice weekly Regional trainings were also held for the months leading up to the match which was held at Mountfort Park, Manurewa on July 16th 2016.
The game itself was played in front of the largest crowd to watch American Football in New Zealand for many years, eager to see what the best New Zealand players could offer up against a talented American Samoa squad. American Samoa, whilst only having a population of 65.000, has produced 30 NFL players and over 200 Division 1 US College players, so their pedigree in the Sport of American Football is exceptional.

The Steelblacks kicked off the match with a fearsome Haka, and from the first whistle the action was full on with a lot of talent on both sides of the ball. A first half Touchdown to Steelblacks Wide Reciever Jake Hughes, and a field goal by Kicker Nick Bassett saw the New Zealand team go into half time down only 16-10 so it was a close half of football with the New Zealand side having size on the talented American Samoa squad and running the ball effectively.

In the second half however the American Samoan team who included several past and current American College stars started to shine, with the New Zealand team unable to find an answer for their dynamic passing game, with their talented Quarterback and Wide Reciever combo hooking up for numerous big plays. The end score was 30-10 with the Steelblacks Offense still moving the ball at times but committing too many errors to sustain drives, but it was fantastic to see a New Zealand team pulled together and it should take much less than another 10 years before the next Mens International game.
"In the end, they [America Samoa] were the more experienced side, but it was a great opportunity and experience for our boys to play against some the world's best," - SteelBlacks Head Coach John Ikinepe. 
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: John Ikinepe

Defensive Co-ordinator: Bradley Fraser
Assistant Coach: Brian Palalagi

Playing Squad:
Nick Bassett                                      Papatoetoe Wildcats

Patrick Blackman                             Wellington City Wolves
Cory Buchanan                                 JC Spartans
Joseph Burke                                    Tamaki Lightning
Gordon Burns                                  Wellington City Wolves
Hohua Dave                                      South Auckland Raiders
Jonathan Entwistle                           Ilam Rebels
Richard Fata                                      JC Spartans
Semo Fanolua                                  Papatoetoe Wildcats
Jake Hughes                                     Metro Lions
Lonell Iakatani                                 South Auckland Raiders
Hayden Ikinepe                               JC Spartans
Isaac Isa'ako                                    Wellington City Wolves
Te Puoho Katene                            Wellington City Wolves
Bong-Chong Khanchaleun            Wellington City Wolves
Darren Kippen                                Wellington City Wolves
Paul Lawrence                                 Ilam Rebels
Exodus Letele                                  South Auckland Raiders
​Wes Mana'o                                     Tamaki Lightning

Logan Matamu                                Metro Lions
Paul Mau                                           JC Spartans
Paul Meredith                                  Papatoetoe Wildcats
David Michl                                      Wellington City Wolves
David Namua                                  Tamaki Lightning
Fia Laufau Peni                               Tamaki Lightning
Tolu Pitone-lese                              South Auckland Raiders
Simon Ponini                                   Metro Lions
Joshua Pouesi                                  South Auckland Raiders
Raymond Saipele                            JC Spartans
Des Sefo                                           Tamaki Lightning
Harry Siono                                      South Auckland Raiders
Vincent Su'a                                     South Auckland Raiders
Mark Tinilau                                     Wellington City Wolves
Todd Wackrow                                Metro Lions
Luke Eugene Wynyard                   Tamaki Lightning

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