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Kiwis' fullback Joseph Manu sets new record in starring performance over Tonga

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Joey Manu has made a stunning return to international rugby league, running for a record-breaking 398 metres in New Zealand’s 26-6 Pacific Test win over Tonga in Auckland.

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The Sydney Roosters centre’s efforts on Saturday night at Mt Smart Stadium capped a dominant performance by a Kiwis side playing their first game in two years.

“If he ran two more metres it would have been way cooler,” was the cheeky assessment of New Zealand hooker Brandon Smith when told of his teammate’s feat.

It got a few laughs, but Smith was quick to point out just how important the effort was, describing it as “outstanding.”

“He’s just such a good teammate. A silent assassin, he just gets the job done,” Smith said.

Smith’s praise was echoed by coach Michael Maguire and captain Jesse Bromwich.

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“It’s just crazy. I thought his performance was right up there with the fullbacks I’ve ever played with,” Bromwich, who made 23 tackles in the win, said.

“He’s a different sort of body, beating defenders one on one and bringing the ball back with aggression. It’s really nice to see as a forward seeing a kick go over and then having your fullback flying back, getting rid of people whenever he felt like it.”

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Maguire chuckled when asked if he’d found himself a consistent selection at fullback from now on, simply replying “yeah I think so.”

But he pointed out that the kick pressure the rest of the team put on the Tongan duo of Kotoni Staggs and Talatau Amone meant that he was more often than not catching the ball on the full.

The man himself said the honour of being back in the black jersey is what motivated him, along with the challenge of wearing the No.1.

“Being back home, playing international league again … it was special,” Manu said.

“I love running with the ball, I got to do that … at fullback so it was pretty fun.”

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BeamMeUp 3 hours ago
The Springboks have something you don't have

A few comments. Firstly, I am a Bok fan and it's been a golden period for us. I hope my fellow Bok fans appreciate this time and know that it cannot last forever, so soak it all in!


The other thing to mention (and this is targeted at Welsh, English and even Aussie supporters who might be feeling somewhat dejected) is that it's easy to forget that just before Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, the Boks were ranked 7th in the world and I had given up hope we'd ever be world beaters again.


Sport is a fickle thing and Rassie and his team have managed to get right whatever little things it takes to make a mediocre team great. I initially worried his methods might be short-lived (how many times can you raise a person's commitment by talking about his family and his love of his country as a motivator), but he seems to have found a way. After winning in 2019 on what was a very simple game plan, he has taken things up ever year - amazing work which has to be applauded! (Dankie Rassie! Ons wardeer wat jy vir die ondersteuners en die land doen!) (Google translate if you don't understand Afrikaans! 😁)


I don't think people outside South Africa fully comprehend the enormity of the impact seeing black and white, English, Afrikaans and Xhosa and all the other hues playing together does for the country's sense of unity. It's pure joy and happiness.


This autumn tour has been a bit frustrating in that the Boks have won, but never all that convincingly. On the one hand, I'd like to have seen more decisive victories, BUT what Rassie has done is expose a huge number of players to test rugby, whilst also diversifying the way the Boks play (Tony Brown's influence).


This change of both style and personnel has resulted in a lack of cohesion at times and we've lost some of the control, whereas had we been playing our more traditional style, that wouldn't happen. This is partially attributable to the fact that you cannot play Tony Brown's expansive game whilst also having 3 players available at every contact point to clear the defence off the ball. I have enjoyed seeing the Boks play a more exciting, less attritional game, which is a boring, albeit effective spectacle. So, I am happy to be patient, because the end justifies the means (and I trust Rassie!). Hopefully all these players we are blooding will give us incredible options for substitutions come next year's Rugby Championship and of course, the big prize in 2027.


Last point! The game of rugby has never been as exciting as it is now. Any of Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, France, Argentina, Scotland, England & Australia can beat one another. South Africa may be ranked #1, but I wouldn't bet my house in them beating France or New Zealand, and we saw Argentina beating both South Africa and New Zealand this year! That's wonderful for the game and makes the victories we do get all the sweeter. Each win is 100% earned. Long may it last!


Sorry for the long post! 🏉🌍

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