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'It’ll humble you': Injury-riddled Atu Moli talks fresh start

Copyright Photo: Ashley Western / www.photosport.nz

Atu Moli is looking for a fresh start in Western Australia, joining the Force for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

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Moli, a former New Zealand U20 captain and five-time All Black, has departed the Chiefs after seven seasons and 54 appearances for the club. An eight-year stretch that saw him play less than half of the available games due to a horror run of injuries.

The youngest forward in the 2019 Rugby World Cup squad, the prop’s talent had Steve Hansen singing his praises and a huge career looked to be on the cards.

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The way things have played out though has led the 28-year-old to Western Australia, where he has a chance to get his career back on track, and perhaps look towards an international appearance for Tonga.

“To be honest, I’d like to start from scratch and keep building from there,” Moli said on the Western Force’s YouTube.

“It’s just crazy coming back from these injuries, you can get to the All Blacks, it’ll humble you if you get injured and start back at the bottom, but I’m really keen to get back into it.”

The 127kg prop has seen much adversity with plenty of playing years left ahead of him, offering a grounding and considered presence in the Force locker room, where he’ll join some familiar faces.

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“I was fortunate to play with Chase (Tiatia), Feleti (Kaitu’u) and Campbell (Parata) in New Zealand, got to know them and started to talk to them about the club.

“They were enjoying it, so I thought I’d come and give it a go. Crono (Force head coach Simon Cron) is a bit of a character. I’m definitely loving what he’s done with the Western Force and I’m just glad I’m here to be a part of it.

“It’s also good to have a change of scenery and have a different environment. I spent eight years in Hamilton, so it’s a good change for my family.”

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The Force face another tough Super Rugby Pacific campaign in 2024. Their young roster shows plenty of potential but having finished 10th in 2023, there’s much work to be done if dreams of a playoff birth are to be realised.

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The five wins the team registered this year were hard-fought encounters, including a superb result against the Brumbies in round 12, a performance that put all of the team’s promise on full display.

Moli’s experience will add valuable perspective to that promise, and the prop is keen to share that experience and rekindle his leadership skills with his new teammates.

“Everything that I’ve learned on the big stage, I’m keen to teach the young boys here.”

“I hadn’t really shown my leadership back in New Zealand so I’m keen to do something about it here.”

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Comments

2 Comments
U
Utiku Old Boy 437 days ago

Would have been great to see him kick on from his early promise. Injuries were devastating. With game time, he could still compete for the ABs given his age, size, leadership and talent. Hope he holds up and it is the start of something big for him.

J
Jon 437 days ago

Can see the Force competing with Brumbies for the top Australian spot.

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RedWarrior 4 hours ago
The reason given by Steve Borthwick for latest England setback

So England are allowed to have a tsunami whinge fest about the ref but if an Irish fan points out that some decisions hurt Ireland also they are being petulant.

Honestly some English supporters are all politeness until they lose then the claws and fangs come out.

Ok here we go, not complaints just pointing out where England got away with roul play:

1: M Smiths headbutt on James Lowe that started the fracas with Stewart. If the ref spots that in time then thats a second yellow if not a straight red for Smith. Probably worth another 14 points with England gassed so a 41-10 final scoreline?

2: Itoje's several stamps on Hansens instep in a clear attempt to damage metatarsals. Straight red or if he is lucky, 10 in the bin.

3. Currys block on Baird to create a gap that Smith used to break the line. Penalty and possession for Ireland deep in England 22 with score at 0:0.

4: The correct decision for the Cunningham South dangerous tackle was a yellow. Lowe blew it by confronting him. The ref didn't give South or Lowe a yellow. The ref couldn't give Lowe a yellow anyway as the TMO would have informed him that m Smith alone started the previosu fracas and its not unreasonable for a player to react to being headbutted.


One last thing missing from English analysis

How is coming over to Dublin acting like you own the place, committing filthy cowardly off the ball cheap shots working out for you? I mean you clearly dont care that we think your team are a crowd of a$$holes but...... rugby wise, how is riling the Irish team to focus and get the best out of themselves against such unpleasant opposition working for you on the scoreboard?


Food for thought old boy!!!!

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