New Zealand Steelblacks 2016For 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. |
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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.
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
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