Bubba Tuigamala is best known for being the son of legendary All Black "Inga the winger".

While Inga made his mark playing rugby in New Zealand, Bubba's returned to Samoa to make a difference through boxing.

And it's happened outside the ring as much as in it.

Night is falling at Plantation Boxing's modest fale near Apia, where villagers surround Bubba's sparring session, but the gym's as much about its people as its owner.

"Samoa's got all the talent but nowhere to put it. So me and my wife, we decided to move over and start a gym and see how it goes," says Bubba.

What Bubba and his father, Inga, quickly discovered was local kids needed more than a place to box. "They would stand from afar and yell and scream and throw rocks at us and I just said to Bubba, 'Let's just love them and care for them and slowly they all come,'" says Inga.

"It's just for some of these kids the houses are not as safe as they should be. They find what they need in the gym and that's great for us," says Bubba.

Domestic violence and poverty are a part of life in many villages. It's a dark underbelly for a community packed full of potential.

"I'm telling you, some of these little kids, they have scars all over their heads from dodging pots and pans, but they know how to fight," says Bubba.

"Just trying to get those little disciplines in boxing – not just boxing but little stuff at home – that they can be doing better at school, that they can be doing better. If they can do it in the ring, they can do it anywhere else."

"These parents can't afford these children's shoes or shirts or even gloves for that matter, so we've been getting out there to the community and even the business sector and just asking them to sponsor a shoe or some pants for these kids, so it's been brilliant. I'm really proud of what Bubba's trying to do," says Inga.

It means Bubba is very busy. His fifth pro fight is in two weeks and sleep isn't always easy to come by.

"We start every morning at four o'clock and we close at eight o'clock. Sometimes we have the kids sleep over. Sometimes we're here 24-hours. It's not work for us; it's something we love doing, so we keep doing it."

Based on how many show up, the kids do too.

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Four British young women who are rowing from San Francisco to Cairns are expected to stop over in Samoa on November 3 .

And when they complete their mission, they will set world records for being the first female team to row across the Pacific and as the first ever four-person boat that has travelled, with no support whatsoever.

The distance between San Francisco and Cairns is 8446 miles.

The team are Laura Penhall, Natalia Cohen, Isabel Bunham and Emma Mitchell.

The journey started in April, when they left San Francisco. Yesterday was their 87th day at sea as they are currently rowing across the Pacific. They stopped over at Honolulu and are expected to be in Samoa for a week.

Their experiences are updated daily on the Losing Sight of Shore blog and facebook page. The journey will also be covered in a documentary film with the same name and directed by Emmy Award winning director, Sarah Moshman.

For the young women who are rowing a pink carbon fibre boat, its all about raising awareness about breast cancer and a charity for soldiers who were injured while serving, known as Walking with the Wounded.

An update post on their Losing Sight of Shore facebook page yesterday: Day 87

“After spending six months out in the middle of the Almighty Pacific, I feel as if I’m slowly beginning to understand her a little better. She truly is magnificent, as I’ve said many times before, but its difficult to ask you to come and experience her without first preparing you for her every changing personality."

“Within her vast boundaries, Oceania can be a healer, joker, protector and teacher. This is why she provides us with the perfect environment to fight and overcome our adversities and to learn many a lesson from her variable landscape."

“She is a very close ally of the wind and the sky and working in unison, they have a strong effect on her mood and behaviour."

Meanwhile, Nicola Mills, who lives in Samoa, has followed the updates closely and plans to do a proper Samoan welcome for the rowers.

“I was just following the blog just out of interest and thought wow, this is an amazing achievement and I saw they were coming into Apia. They can’t just come in and no one acknowledge what they’re doing.”

So far the welcome will include a traditional ava ceremony and entertainment. Ms Mills aims to get the schools near the waterfront involved and to have as many people possible come down and give them a real welcome.

“What they’re doing is epic and it needs to be acknowledged and I don’t want them to come to Samoa and not get a real Samoan welcome.”

While here, Digicel will sponsor communications, Hyundai a vehicle, Riverside Band B are putting up the rowers, support and film crew, Siva Afi will also assist where needed, Roseburg Day Spa for massage and pampering. Samoa Voyaging Society, Xavier Lui and the crew of Galualofa will also take part in the welcome.

Last Sunday, 25 October was Orange Day.

It was a chance to raise awareness about gender-based violence (G.B.V) in Samoa and to engage with your community to create change.

Violence against women and girls is rooted in gender-based discrimination and social norms and gender stereotypes that perpetuate such violence.

Given the devastating effect violence has on women, efforts have mainly focused on responses and services for survivors.

However, the best way to end violence against women and girls is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root and structural causes.

Prevention should start early in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality.

Working with youth is a “best bet” for faster, sustained progress on preventing and eradicating gender-based violence.

While public policies and interventions often overlook this stage of life, it is a critical time when values and norms around gender equality are forged.

As religions around the world speak to the inherent sacredness of human life, religious leaders and their communities have the moral authority to raise awareness about G.B.V (Gender based Violence) and a moral responsibility to prevent violence, provide support and care, and strive

Religious leaders have the power to introduce ideas of respect and equality in their congregations. They possess an ordained role of leadership in their institutions and communities, serving as role models of care and compassion.

to transform societal or religious norms or practices that perpetuate such violence.

While leaders can call upon these communities to assist women who are facing G.B.V, they also can offer support, counselling, and guidance to those who perpetrate violence as the voice of accountability in communities.

Churches and faith based organizations that work with men and boys help accelerate progress in preventing and ending violence against women and girls. They can begin to challenge the deeply rooted inequalities and social norms that perpetuate men’s control and power over women and reinforce tolerance for violence against women and girls.

Leaders also can take advantage of faith networks and work across faiths to remind communities that G.B.V violates dignity and human rights and that their faiths call upon them to be merciful, caring, and loving toward all.

A new church has opened at Sa’anapu Tai, three years after the previous one was destroyed by Cyclone Evan. Leaders from the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa attended the opening, along with village members from Samoa and abroad.

The Deputy Chairman of C.C.C.S, Reverend Elder Tautiaga Senara, said God’s love made the project possible.

He thanked Reverend Iakina Alefaio and church-goers for having faith in the rebuild, and presented a gift of $20,000 from the Church’s mother body.

Reverend Iakina Alefaio said the celebration was held to thank God for the project, and thank the congregation for coming together to see the work done.

He also praised the Sa’anapu communities in New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world for their contributions.

The total cost of the project was $691,820. It was completed by Zheng Construction within five months.

Life in “paradise” is proving tough for a five year- old Samoan girl.

Her name is Daisy, and she is among the growing number of child vendors on the streets of Apia, begging and selling goods to help support their families.

She spent the weekend helping her mother sell hair clippers at the S.N.P.F. Plaza.

“I came with my mother to sell these clippers,” she said. “She told me to get as many people as I can and ask them if they want to buy.

“We came early this morning.

“My mother told me that we should come here every day to sell these clippers so that I could get new white clothes for White Sunday.”

Daisy told the Samoa Observer her family was from Taufusi, and her mother’s name was Sieni.

“My mum didn’t buy me an ‘ofu’ (clothes) for White Sunday…she told me that it’s only for children who went to church.

“I want to go [to] church but she [told] me not to…but I want new clothes.”

Daisy said it was difficult selling clippers at the Plaza.

“People gave me money to go and buy bongos but they don’t want to buy my clippers.

“My mother told me to give her the money to buy us food at night.

One woman at the shop…bought me new shoes.” Daisy said her new shoes were nice. People helped her out in other ways too, with one restaurant giving her food when she was hungry.

“People feed me inside here… sausage, rice….chicken. A Chinese woman also gave me Coca-Cola… she loves me…we don’t have food at home.” The little girl was not allowed to go to school.

“My mother told me to stay home because we have no money for my lunch. “I want to go to school.... so that I could eat ice cream and sausages every day.”

The Congregational Christian Church of Samoa (C.C.C.S) has terminated a $2.5million* contract with South Pacific Cladding Company to renovate the John Williams building (pictured).

The decision was conveyed in a letter from the Church addressed to the Director of South Pacific Cladding, Tupuola Patrick Boon, obtained by the Samoa Observer.

Dated 20 October 2015, the letter is signed by three senior church officials, namely the Chairperson of the C.C.C.S, Reverend Elder Tavita Roma, General Secretary of the C.C.C.S, Reverend Dr. Uili Afereti and the Church’s Treasurer, Reverend Aiafi Wright.

“We acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 19th October 2015 to our legal officer,” the letter reads.

“This letter was in response to your company being informed of the Variation Contract signed 31st August 2015 by representatives of your company and ourselves.

“You have informed us of your wanting to continue with the contract. However, we feel that it is best for this contract to be terminated. The reasons have already been indicated to you by our legal officer as her letter of 19th October 2015.”

Attempts to get a comment from the Church’s General Secretary about the decision were not successful. The Samoa Observer was told by his Secretary that he is on leave.

According to the letter in question though, the matter could end up in Court.

“In your letter dated 19th October 2015, it appears that you cannot return the initial payment of $12,100 nor make payments for liquidated damages as you already committed it for materials for this project.

“Apparently this material will be arriving on the 21st October 2015, we therefore request that these materials be handed over to the church as it is materials that we have paid for and rightfully belongs to us.

“Along with all duty fees, the administration fees and costs of these materials, we insist that these materials once they arrive be given over.

“Your failure to provide us with these materials may force us to take this matter to Court.”

The Samoa Observer also obtained a second letter from the church dated 21 October 2015. Written by the Church’s Legal Officer, Micho Ete-Lima, it was addressed to the Chief Executive Officer of South Pacific Cladding, Tofilau Lupematasila Nanai Misa.

“I write to request that your company removes all your items and goods that is within the Ioane Viliamu Building tomorrow, 22nd October 2015 at 10am,” the letter reads.

“Your failure to remove all your property and goods will be an indication to us that you are willing to leave these items for the C.C.C.S’s use.

“There will be a Police presence to verify that the condition of your items and goods and indeed the condition of the premises were never tampered with during the time that our premises were locked.

“This will also ensure that the removal of your property and goods will be a smooth operation.”

At tempts to get a comment from Tupuola Patrick Chan Boon yesterday were unsuccessful. But in an interview with The Newsline during the weekend, Tupuola said he was surprised by the Church’s decision.

“I was taken by surprise when I was told by one of our company staff, Tofilau Lupematasila Fa’amanu, that the contract has been terminated by the Church.

I told him to abide with the wishes of the Church,” he said.

The decision by the church is the latest development over delays in the project, which should have been completed in November 2014.

During this year’s annual conference, the Chairman of the Church’s Finance Committee, Le Mamea Ropati said the project had exceeded the approved budget from the 2012 annual meeting, which was $2.5million.

“It has now cost us $3 million,” he said.

The renovation contract work started several years ago under the guidance of the former C.C.C.S General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Iutisone Salevao. He could not be contacted for a comment yesterday.

According to Tupuola, the church should be blamed for the delay.

“The company could not install the alucobon sheets within the four months required in the old contract because all the required order of materials were not available to us,” he told Newsline.

“The scaffolding required for the work should have been provided by the Church but it ended up with the company.”

Tupuola also said that other works like the removal of the green metal, which surrounded the building, should have been done by the Church but it was done by his company.

When Tupuola’s company was using the premises, they had other businesses operating at the building including an internet café and a newspaper called Samoa Today.

*$2.5million was the initial price of the contract at the beginning. It could not be ascertained how much it has cost the church since.

Life in “paradise” is proving tough for a five year- old Samoan girl.

Her name is Daisy, and she is among the growing number of child vendors on the streets of Apia, begging and selling goods to help support their families.

She spent the weekend helping her mother sell hair clippers at the S.N.P.F. Plaza.

“I came with my mother to sell these clippers,” she said. “She told me to get as many people as I can and ask them if they want to buy.

“We came early this morning.

“My mother told me that we should come here every day to sell these clippers so that I could get new white clothes for White Sunday.”

Daisy told the Samoa Observer her family was from Taufusi, and her mother’s name was Sieni.

“My mum didn’t buy me an ‘ofu’ (clothes) for White Sunday…she told me that it’s only for children who went to church.

“I want to go [to] church but she [told] me not to…but I want new clothes.”

Daisy said it was difficult selling clippers at the Plaza.

“People gave me money to go and buy bongos but they don’t want to buy my clippers.

“My mother told me to give her the money to buy us food at night.

One woman at the shop…bought me new shoes.” Daisy said her new shoes were nice. People helped her out in other ways too, with one restaurant giving her food when she was hungry.

“People feed me inside here… sausage, rice….chicken. A Chinese woman also gave me Coca-Cola… she loves me…we don’t have food at home.” The little girl was not allowed to go to school.

“My mother told me to stay home because we have no money for my lunch. “I want to go to school.... so that I could eat ice cream and sausages every day.”

New Zealand versus Australia.

It’s a rivalry as old as time itself – or maybe a couple of hundred years.

Now, for the first time in Rugby World Cup history, the countries are squaring off in a final.

With the historic final of the 2015 cup approaching, the Kiwi-Aussie rivalry is flaring up on Samoa’s shores.

That has culminated in New Zealand and Australia’s High Commissioners throwing down the gauntlet, putting their money – and lunch – on the line.

“How about the loser shouts the other lunch?” N.Z. High Commissioner, Jackie Frizelle laughed, during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

“Winner’s choice” where, Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford agreed.

Adorned in their respective country’s colours, the pair laid out their expectations for the Sunday morning clash.

“I’m expecting a nail-biter,” Jackie said.

“I think there were a couple of real nailbiters just to get into the final,” Sue added.

The pair said there’d be a strong contingent of kiwis and aussies in glued to their screens in Samoa, watching the final.

Jackie urged the kiwis not to underestimate the Wallabies, as both sides were heavily invested in the game.

The high commissioners agreed the final would be great for Samoa no matter what, as both teams had players with Samoan ancestry taking part.

The pair both planned to be up early watching the game.

Jackie expected New Zealand would go all out, with players like Richie McCaw eyeing the end of their rugby careers.

“Everyone will be hoping for a win on the day.

“There’s just that massive amount of passion and loyalty towards the team,” she said.

Sue said Australia had a huge amount of pride on the line.

She was excited to see prop Scott Sio, a second-generation Wallaby, play in the final.

He had strong ties to Samoa, with his father a former Manu Samoa player, she said.

The pair said rugby was “a real unifier” for Australia, New Zealand and Samoa, and they were excited to see international relations continue to grow.

The Tautua Samoa Party whip, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, has not switched sides to the ruling Human Rights Protection Party (H.R.P.P.).

The denial comes contrary to reports that he had announced the switch during the weekend.

“There [are] still a lot of issues that needs to be addressed before a firm decision is made,” he told the Samoa Observer yesterday.

Told that his decision had already been announced by other media, Lealailepule said that it must have been during the matai title ceremony at Vaitele last Saturday where he was bestowed the Tupuola title.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi, was also honoured during the same ceremony with the title Galumalemana.

According to Talamua Media, Leala had apparently declared his support for the H.R.P.P during the ceremony.

But Leala rejected this.

“But it was a joke, not a formal one [because] there are implications; but that paper is a tabloid that no-one should take serious[ly].”

Rumours of Lealailepule planning to switch parties have been circulating for months.

Sixteen year old Paulina Noa Autasia is now back with her grandparents at Tiavea.

The young woman went missing on 7th September but her grandfather only learned of her absence on the 16th October because she had been staying with the pastor at Vailele while she went to school.

Mr Autasia was very thankful that his granddaughter was found and that she was safe and unharmed after reporting the matter to the police and checking at different villages.

Paulina said she had had an argument while staying with her older sister and when she confronted her about her husband’s drinking, her sister went mad and kicked her out of the house. So she had then gone to stay with members of her

grandfather’s family at Falevao. She believed her grandfather knew of her whereabouts after asking her uncle to contact her family at Tiavea to say that she was staying with them.

However the message never reached her grandfather and she was surprised when she heard the news last week that he was looking everywhere for her.

She said the next day she rang her family and told them that she was all right and she was later reunited with her grandparents and her mother at Tiavea. Paulina’s grandmother Ella Noa was very happy yesterday when Paulina was returned to them.

Member of Parliament and Board member of the Samoa Rugby Union, Lefau Harry Schuster, has responded to a call for him to resign. The call was made by former Manu Samoa player, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu. Lefau’s response came in an open letter addressed to Fuimaono-Sapolu. It is published here in verbatim:

Dear Mr Eliota Sapolu, I forward the following comments in response to the sensationalist and presumptuous views expressed in your Samoa Observer commentary entitled “Lefau Must Resign”.

In your comments you presume that my motive in shifting focus onto local players for developing a team for the next rugby World Cup challenge is because I want to “control them”, and that I’m “out of my depth with intelligent Samoan players playing overseas”.

I assure you that I do not fear “intelligent” players and have no interest or need to control any current or future Manu Samoa player.

In respect of my “views on rugby being obsolete” as the game is now professional and complicated, I hold the humble view that the only thing that has changed in recent times when the game went professional is that players are now paid to play and it has become a fulltime job.

In all other respects it remains the same simple game of rugby - a knock on is a knock on and you have a scrum; a forward pass is a forward pass; and two teams compete for eighty minutes and the one that has more points at the end of eighty minutes wins!

Of course there are technical experts as you refer to such as nutritionists and skills coaches - these specialists were engaged in the 2011 and the current campaign.

Board members and Administrators do not (and are not expected to) perform these tasks.

My view to focus on local players is not a recent or accidental thought.

I note that although you rubbish my view on a local player focus you then go on to say it is something you too have been saying for years! For your information this is the reason that I and the S.R.U Board sought assistance from World Rugby to build a High Performance Centre at Tuana’imato complete with a fully equipped gym, accommodation block, administration centre and two rugby fields.

The Samoan government assisted with this objective by granting the S.R.U a lease of 36 acres of land on which the High Performance Centre is built. The S.R.U High Performance Facility is the only one built with World Rugby funding for any World Rugby member.

This initiative provides and promotes a pathway to fulfil the aspiration of local players to play in the Manu Samoa 7s and 15s. It also complies and fulfils the World Rugby rules for inclusion in its international competitions that a national member union can only be eligible to be included in World Rugby international competitions if it has a domestic development program and competitions.

Without local players and local competitions we would not be allowed to play in the World Rugby 7s series and the 15s Rugby World Cup.

The High Performance programme has produced results in the short time it has been established.

One of its successes was producing and training the athletes that won the World Rugby 7s world series in the 2010/2011 series. In the current Rugby World Cup team 7 athletes were trained and graduated from the program e.g. Ofisa Treviranus, Alafoti Faosiliva, Jake Grey, Viliamu Afatia, Faatoina Autagavaia, Vavao Afemai, and Patrick Faapale.

Logovii Mulipola, one of our best props also graduated from the H.P.U program but was unfortunately injured when the Manu Samoa team was assembled for the World Cup.

You continue to assert that the S.R.U Board is has a “culture of corruption, favouritism and poor management”. In response to the issues highlighted following the 2011 World Cup campaign, a new C.E.O, Faleomavaega Vincent Fepuleai has since been appointed.

Subsequently he has responded (continuously) to sensationalist efforts such as yours, to reassure all S.R.U stakeholders that these matters are being systematically addressed.

Furthermore for your information, the coaches select the players they have confidence in. The Board members have no day to day contact with players such as that which they have with coaches and therefore have no influence on players and the way the team is operated.

In terms of the professional calibre of the S.R.U Board that you are questioning, you insult the people who come from various professions and callings who give time voluntarily to be on the Board.

They have in depth experience from their various professional disciplines and life experiences and consist of accountants, economists, lawyers, teachers, a church minister and senior civil servants. This is a totally different make up from the one you described as “old rugby players who are broke, depressed and dumb”. For your further information, of the current Board, 7 members have in depth experience in negotiating, finalising and monitoring multimillion dollar international contracts.

Contrary to your presumptuous allegations, the S.R.U do run the S.R.U on business lines and are very effective considering the limited resources available and accessible to it. The Board runs Samoan rugby taking into account both business interests and principles as well as the interests of rugby.

In terms of monetary resources, 70% is spent on the Manu Samoa 15s leaving only 30% to be allocated for Manu 7s, Manusina 15s and 7s,Samoa A, under 20 and development.

If the Board were to utilise a purely business focus then focussing on rugby 7s would be the best business approach to take. It takes less resources and has produced the highest yield in results in that we are consistently in the top 6 of the World and have won a World Series.

However, our young people are greatly blessed with rugby talent and the Union therefore continues to develop all facets of rugby irrespective of the limited resources.

As for your continuous baseless calls for me to stand down, it is not a matter for you to decide.

I continue to serve Samoan rugby in this capacity as long as I have something to offer Samoan rugby and as long as the stakeholders of the S.R.U accept that I am of use in the union.

Finally, whether or not I am in the S.R.U Board, I will continue to assist rugby at the local level.

Anyone can criticise - it’s a free world!

However the productive avenue is to go help a local rugby club by coaching, managing or raising funds to help the team.

By the way, you are welcome to express your views publicly in the formal and social media but please feel free to express your views directly to me, face to face if you wish to.

Yours sincerely,

Lefau Harry Schuster

NEW ZEALAND 34 AUSTRALIA 17 - 

New Zealand have survived a stunning two-try Australian fightback to be crowned back-to-back world champions in a thrilling World Cup final at Twickenham.

A masterclass from New Zealand No.10 Dan Carter, who finally had his World Cup moment after injury cruelled his campaign four years back, wrested victory from the clutches of a spirited Australian comeback. His drop goal and long-range penalty in the final 10 minutes will be replayed as the decisive points of the tournament.

The Wallabies will be justifiably proud of their spirited fight but will also rue an error-strewn first half when the occasion appeared to drown out their voice.

Michael Cheika talked throughout the tournament of the Wallabies playing their music. They did so too late, and their run of seven straight Test wins appeared to fold in front of their eyes, as New Zealand reduced their trans-Tasman foes to spectators with two tries, two minutes either side of half-time.

A 10-minute flurry kept the dream alive, David Pocock scoring while the All Blacks were down a man and some superb vision from winger Adam Ashley-Cooper putting Tevita Kuridrani over with 15 minutes left.

Carter's drop goal widened the gap to seven just as Wallabies fans allowed themselves to countenance an upset. But the gap was too far to breach and a Beauden Barrett try two minutes from the final buzzer was the nail in the coffin.

It was the final that was meant to be, if sport has anything at all to do with destiny and not a series of moments, small battles, stitched together. New Zealand won far more of them when it counted, most damagingly throughout the first half.

It was the last time the world would see Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Kevin Mealamu in an All Blacks jersey, and a fitting climax to their brilliant Test careers, not least of all a 42nd-minute try to Nonu.

Nerves bubbled to the surface in the opening minutes.

A busting run from Nonu off the back of a New Zealand lineout heaped pressure on the Australian line. The Wallabies' defence held strong, but the All Blacks looked lethal given space.

All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read required medical attention on his right ankle, but was strapped up and played on while Carter kicked the All Blacks on to the scoreboard with a penalty goal in the eighth minute.

A series of turnovers worried the Wallabies, as Israel Folau was isolated under the high ball and Conrad Smith stripped Matt Giteau. They won the chance to equalise when the New Zealand scrum was penalised, and Bernard Foley made it 3-3 in the 14th minute. Kane Douglas' World Cup campaign ended in the 15th minute with an ankle injury, replaced by Dean Mumm.

Pocock and Michael Hooper continued to make the difference for Australia as the Wallabies struggled to contain the All Blacks' attack. With the New Zealanders swarming the Australian line, the twin opensides turned the ball over to relieve the pressure.

Australian tighthead Sekope Kepu was penalised for a marginally late hit on Carter, and a penalty against Rob Simmons in the lineout wasted the excellent efforts of Scott Fardy and his back-row teammates who worked so hard to win the battle of the breakdown.

Carter made it 6-3 in the 27th minute after his second run in with Kepu. This time a high tackle gifted New Zealand the lead, with the blow compounded when Giteau was sent for a concussion test and did not return. Kurtley Beale replaced him. A penalty against Will Genia handed Carter the chance to make it 9-3 even as the big screen showed a forward pass from Nehe Milner-Skudder to Jerome Kaino.

But the Wallabies had few to blame other than themselves for wasted opportunities in possession. As the clock wound down on the first half the All Blacks struck, Milner-Skudder touching down in the corner thanks to a break from Conrad Smith. Carter converted to make it 16-3.

Australia were watching their World Cup dream slip away when Nonu took a Sonny Bill Williams offload, gunned through on the inside and smoked a stumbling Beale to score in his Test swansong.

Carter missed his first kick of the night but it made no material difference when the 21-3 scoreline said it all. Then, just when all appeared lost, the Wallabies built up a head of steam, and a yellow card against Ben Smith after a tip tackle on Drew Mitchell opened the door for the fightback.

The Australian forwards rumbled towards the try line and Pocock scored off the back of the maul in the 53rd minute. Foley converted to reduce the deficit to 11 points with 30 minutes left on the clock and Hooper assumed the captaincy when Tatafu Polota-Nau replaced Moore.

Kuridrani gave further hope to the fairytale upset, when the Fijian-born centre took a ball from Adam Ashley-Cooper to score in the 64th minute.

Foley converted and the Australians were within four points, but a Carter drop goal put New Zealand seven points up with 10 minutes left and his fourth penalty goal made it 10 points in the 74th minute.

Barrett put it beyond reach with a minute left on the clock and Carter, fittingly, had the final say, kicking his country to a 34-17 World Cup triumph.

"It's a special feeling to be part of such a great team," Carter said.

Former Manu Samoa player, Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu has responded to Lefau Harry Schuster’s letter in yesterday’s Samoa Observer under the title “Lefau issues response.”

It is published here in full:

Face to face is a waste of space.

Discuss it in the media so ALL of Samoa and Samoans around the world can learn the truth. No more hiding.

No more lies. For the betterment of Samoan rugby, get it all out there for the people to know.

My views are not sensationalist. I am the player on the field. I literally spilled my blood for Samoa. I have broken my body for Samoa. I write this because neither you Harry, nor the I.R.B/ World Rugby will ever break my heart for Samoa.

Firstly, Samoa won the World Sevens Series in May 2010, NOT 2011 like you said. The H.P.U. was opened in August 2011. Unless you have a time machine, the H.P.U. had NOTHING to do with Samoa winning the 7s. It didn’t even exist! Please try again. The H.P.U. did not develop those wonderful local Samoan players. Samoa did. Samoa has always created wonderful local talent. Alesana, Henry and the Tuilagi brothers, David Lemi, Chris Masoe, Uale Mai, Murry Faasavalu and Brian Lima. Samoa created wonderful talent well before there was an H.P.U. and Samoa will continue to create talent without the H.P.U.

In fact, before the H.P.U. opened, Samoa 7s finished 3rd place twice and won the World Sevens Series in 2010. Since the H.P.U. was opened, however, there has been little success in Sevens and Samoa is at their lowest-ever placing. You can say the same for Manu Samoa 15s. Before the H.P.U. was opened Manu Samoa had its greatest victory of all time, beating Australia in Australia. Since the H.P.U. was opened, Manu Samoa is now the lowest ranking Manu Samoa team of all time. Please do not glorify the H.P.U. as the second coming of the rugby saviour. Samoan rugby has been doing worse ever since the H.P.U. opened. Why is that?

Yes Harry, corruption. Have you seen how people fundraise for Manu Samoa now? They use the catch phrase “The money will go DIRECTLY to the players!” There is no Samoan left in the world who trusts you or the S.R.U. with their hard-earned money.

Can you imagine what prospective sponsors are thinking? No thank you.

Mahonri and John Campbell told the world about it in 2011, when the millions raised for the 2011 R.W.C. went missing. That is why Mahonri was dropped. Mahonri went on to win two Super 15 titles with the Chiefs.

Only idiocy or corruption drops a player and leader of that rare quality.

There was the 2011 audit by Lesa ma Penn Certified Public Accountants, which was highly critical of S.R.U. and outlined unprofessional practices.

8 missing receipt books, lack of completed final statements, no segregation of duties between who receives and records revenue and no system to record sponsors. They then followed up in a letter in 2012 which said “there is no indication that an effort was made to rectify these issues”.

I also have in my possession the emails between you and the I.R.B, in which the I.R.B. advised you not to pick me again.

I destroyed the world champions South Africa and you cut me because the I.R.B.

said to. Again, idiocy or corruption? Take a pick.

Harry, your comment of rugby being the same simple game has changed my opinion. Your opinion is not obsolete. It is ridiculously obsolete. It is a COMPLETELY different ball game now!

Samoa has a small budget but whose fault is that?

The All Blacks, Australia and South Africa do not receive zero dollars from games in Europe anymore! They receive millions from a sold-out game at Twickenham whereas Samoa receives bread crumbs from the same sold-out game.

And this is why you do not idiotically cut the best players. Best players means winning team and winning team means business leverage. Where are these people you say who deal with multimillion dollar contracts?

They are dealing in multi-million air molecules at the moment because Samoa receives nothing.

Even Brett Gosper, the C.E.O. of World Rugby, admitted to Daniel Leo in their recent meeting that there exists a huge discrepancy in profit share for teams like Samoa.

In 2014, The Prime Minster, Chairman of the Board, asked why is Samoa still stuck “in an amateur deal” where all the money goes to the host nation?

Samoa is stuck in the SAME amateur deal because you think it is the SAME simple rugby!

S.R.U. contract negotiators are being ripped off by better European contract negotiators.

This is the Rugby today. We cannot live on our knees anymore, with our hands out, begging World Rugby for crumbs. It is time to stand up and demand what is owed to Samoan rugby.

Samoa once again sold out all their games at the World Cup. The largest viewing audience of all time was the match between Japan and Samoa! Sold out games at Twickenham and all over Europe. It is time to fight for what is owed to Samoa!

Harry, you were at my case against the I.R.B. after the R.W.C. 2011. You sat in the room, in front of the judiciary, with me. You watched me fight for 8 hours against the I.R.B.

Over a thousand Samoans waited outside for 8 hours waving Samoan flags, singing Samoan songs. I fought for better treatment from these rubbish referees. I fought for Samoa to have the same rest other teams were enjoying.

I fought for a better share in money for Samoa.

You were there Harry. For 8 hours.

And you said NOTHING. For 8 hours.

If you continue to remain in your position then I ask you, for the sake of Samoa, stop saying nothing to the I.R.B. Please fight for Samoa.

Samoa rugby is making a loss every year but Samoa generates millions for Europe and World Rugby. Now is your time to fight.

For the supporters who wake up in the early hours of the morning to support Manu. For the players who are spilling blood for Samoa and proudly losing money doing it.

Do not sit in the room for 8 hours anymore and say nothing.

I know you love Samoa as much as I do. It is time to fight.

And no, I do not wish to be a part of an organisation which served so much injustice on me. The same people who served the injustice remain and nothing would be more insulting to me than to work under and answer to the same people.

I wish you all the best for the upcoming elections.

God Bless Samoa.

NEW ZEALAND 34 AUSTRALIA 17 - 

New Zealand have survived a stunning two-try Australian fightback to be crowned back-to-back world champions in a thrilling World Cup final at Twickenham.

A masterclass from New Zealand No.10 Dan Carter, who finally had his World Cup moment after injury cruelled his campaign four years back, wrested victory from the clutches of a spirited Australian comeback. His drop goal and long-range penalty in the final 10 minutes will be replayed as the decisive points of the tournament.

The Wallabies will be justifiably proud of their spirited fight but will also rue an error-strewn first half when the occasion appeared to drown out their voice.

Michael Cheika talked throughout the tournament of the Wallabies playing their music. They did so too late, and their run of seven straight Test wins appeared to fold in front of their eyes, as New Zealand reduced their trans-Tasman foes to spectators with two tries, two minutes either side of half-time.

A 10-minute flurry kept the dream alive, David Pocock scoring while the All Blacks were down a man and some superb vision from winger Adam Ashley-Cooper putting Tevita Kuridrani over with 15 minutes left.

Carter's drop goal widened the gap to seven just as Wallabies fans allowed themselves to countenance an upset. But the gap was too far to breach and a Beauden Barrett try two minutes from the final buzzer was the nail in the coffin.

It was the final that was meant to be, if sport has anything at all to do with destiny and not a series of moments, small battles, stitched together. New Zealand won far more of them when it counted, most damagingly throughout the first half.

It was the last time the world would see Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Kevin Mealamu in an All Blacks jersey, and a fitting climax to their brilliant Test careers, not least of all a 42nd-minute try to Nonu.

Nerves bubbled to the surface in the opening minutes.

A busting run from Nonu off the back of a New Zealand lineout heaped pressure on the Australian line. The Wallabies' defence held strong, but the All Blacks looked lethal given space.

All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read required medical attention on his right ankle, but was strapped up and played on while Carter kicked the All Blacks on to the scoreboard with a penalty goal in the eighth minute.

A series of turnovers worried the Wallabies, as Israel Folau was isolated under the high ball and Conrad Smith stripped Matt Giteau. They won the chance to equalise when the New Zealand scrum was penalised, and Bernard Foley made it 3-3 in the 14th minute. Kane Douglas' World Cup campaign ended in the 15th minute with an ankle injury, replaced by Dean Mumm.

Pocock and Michael Hooper continued to make the difference for Australia as the Wallabies struggled to contain the All Blacks' attack. With the New Zealanders swarming the Australian line, the twin opensides turned the ball over to relieve the pressure.

Australian tighthead Sekope Kepu was penalised for a marginally late hit on Carter, and a penalty against Rob Simmons in the lineout wasted the excellent efforts of Scott Fardy and his back-row teammates who worked so hard to win the battle of the breakdown.

Carter made it 6-3 in the 27th minute after his second run in with Kepu. This time a high tackle gifted New Zealand the lead, with the blow compounded when Giteau was sent for a concussion test and did not return. Kurtley Beale replaced him. A penalty against Will Genia handed Carter the chance to make it 9-3 even as the big screen showed a forward pass from Nehe Milner-Skudder to Jerome Kaino.

But the Wallabies had few to blame other than themselves for wasted opportunities in possession. As the clock wound down on the first half the All Blacks struck, Milner-Skudder touching down in the corner thanks to a break from Conrad Smith. Carter converted to make it 16-3.

Australia were watching their World Cup dream slip away when Nonu took a Sonny Bill Williams offload, gunned through on the inside and smoked a stumbling Beale to score in his Test swansong.

Carter missed his first kick of the night but it made no material difference when the 21-3 scoreline said it all. Then, just when all appeared lost, the Wallabies built up a head of steam, and a yellow card against Ben Smith after a tip tackle on Drew Mitchell opened the door for the fightback.

The Australian forwards rumbled towards the try line and Pocock scored off the back of the maul in the 53rd minute. Foley converted to reduce the deficit to 11 points with 30 minutes left on the clock and Hooper assumed the captaincy when Tatafu Polota-Nau replaced Moore.

Kuridrani gave further hope to the fairytale upset, when the Fijian-born centre took a ball from Adam Ashley-Cooper to score in the 64th minute.

Foley converted and the Australians were within four points, but a Carter drop goal put New Zealand seven points up with 10 minutes left and his fourth penalty goal made it 10 points in the 74th minute.

Barrett put it beyond reach with a minute left on the clock and Carter, fittingly, had the final say, kicking his country to a 34-17 World Cup triumph.

"It's a special feeling to be part of such a great team," Carter said.

It’s another sunny day at the Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club in Lotopa.

As celebrations of the club’s 45th anniversary continue, younger members are running around and the beer and soda is flowing.

Vuiumumaluolelagi (Vui) Ricky McFall sits under the shade, a cigarette in one hand and a drink in the other, quietly chatting with some of the club’s other senior members. He has been President of the club six times.

Now retired, he is an Executive member of Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club. And he was there from the start, as part of the first rugby team formed when the club was created, formed from two other rugby clubs in 1970.

“There were some negatives and positives when they first merged,” Vui recalled. “There was a surplus of players.”

That soon changed, with the club, which originally did not have St. Joseph’s in its name, soon struggling to bring in new recruits. That was because rugby players from St. Joseph’s College were opting to play for village teams instead.

Vui said the club decided to correct course, rebranding to include St. Joseph’s in the name around 1973.

“We started to feel the pain because we were not getting the players,” he said.

Since then, the club has had its ups and downs.

“Some years it is good...it depends on the coach.”

The local side had a good year in 2015, winning the international Marist sevens rugby competition in February, Vui said. The team had built up a strong legacy, winning three quarters of the Marist sevens games held over the past 27 years, he said.

As the club celebrates 45 years of existence, however, it is dealing with some major burdens.

Many talented rugby players are heading overseas now, having picked up international contracts.

“But what can we do, it’s for the player’s benefit,” Vui said.

Current club President Laulu Henry Taefu said rugby had changed drastically over the 35 years he’d been part of the club. It was now a professional game, which had changed the playing field.

Debt was a problem, too. Laulu said the celebrations were a good chance to fundraise, to help the organisation continue paying its bills.

Vui said money was needed to pay for the clubhouse and grandstand, among other things, which was tough due to the club’s limited revenuemaking ability. Even with money problems, everyone was enjoying the chance to catch up with old friends.

Father Ben Tapelu has been part of the club since 1972, and he loved the chance to reminisce about the club’s 45 years in Samoa.

“It’s been a great feeling, being a part of it.”

He said there was a “real closeness” between club members when he joined several decades ago. In 2015, it was still there, with the Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club brotherhood alive and kicking, he said. Savelu Kapisi came over from New Zealand for the 45th, representing the Marist St. Joseph’s Old Boys group in Auckland.

“It’s nice to meet some of the boys we use to play with.”

He had not seen some of the club members in 20 years.

“I thought they all still look as young as when I saw them before, which is what they told me,” he laughed.

As club members enjoy their trip down memory lane, they are looking to the future of the club.

And they all agree – Marist St. Joseph’s Sports Club is not going anywhere.

Laulu sees sporting diversification as the future.

While the club caters for rugby union, rugby league, netball and golf, he wants it doing more to keep up with the times.

Boxing and soccer were the next big things for the club, which would help it thrive.

Vui said he could see the club making it to 90 years old.

“I think the club will still be there provided we work hard towards maintaining the operation of the club [and] the lease of the land because this land is owned by the Marist brothers. As long as [club] members are committed, we will survive the next 45 years.”

Speaker of Parliament, La'auli Leuatea Polata’ivao, is involved in a Court dispute over the handling of finances in a nonu juice company of which he is a director.

The Associate Minister for the Ministry of the Prime Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, who is also a director of the company, is fighting for a Court injunction against La’auli and two other respondents.

The lawyer representing Peseta, Leulua’ialii Olinda Woodrooffe, told Radio New Zealand International that the action comes after a dispute over payments of a company loan from the Samoa National Provident Fund (S.N.P.F), of which Peseta’s land is being used as security.

“Peseta who is a 50 percent shareholder in directorship is denied the right to have any access to financial records, denied the right to go inside the premises of the company when he owns the land the company used to guarantee a loan from the bank.”

Leulua’ialii says if the injunction were successful it would put the company’s operations on hold.

A new hospital will soon be established in the constituency of Satupa’itea, Savai’i.

The project was revealed by Acting Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Satupa’itea, Lautafi Selafi Purcell in an interview.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Lautafi said their proposal for a hospital was approved by the Embassy of Japan.

Construction on the hospital will kick start in the beginning of next year.

As for the cost, Lautafi declined to put a figure on it saying it was early stages.

“It’s going to be a medical center to start off with,” said the Acting Prime Minister.

“The idea is to have it as a community-run project where there is a big involvement from the village in running the hospital…the professionals (doctors and nurses) will be there but the village will assist in terms of maintenance and keeping it clean.”

Lautafi said the women’s committee will play a key role in the project as well as the villages and their involvement.

What he would like to see, is the constituency taking ownership of the hospital and not be seen as “outsiders” with the mindset that it belongs to government.

“Women’s Committees manage day to day activities keeping it clean,” explained the Satupa’itea M.P. “It will generate employment for the constituency as well providing work for carpenters who can fix small things when they are broken in the hospital and also provide cleaners.”

The Acting Prime Minister added the district is finalising land to build the hospital on.

On another matter, Lautafi confirmed the subvillages of the constituency have unanimously agreed to back him in the March general election.

According to Lautafi the constituency was divided in the past 40 years but that has changed.

Asked what divided the constituency he explained it was differences amongst the ancestors a long time ago.

“That was my first priority when I entered (parliament); to reunite them,” recalled the Acting Prime Minister.

“In the past years it was difficult to bring the constituency together to meet but they have now stood in solidarity. I guess an indication of unity is them agreeing to support me.”

Lautafi said he had met with his sub village of PitonuĐ who had maintained their support for him and the same with the sub villages of Vaega and Satufia.

He added the Ali’I and Faipule and pastors played a huge role in uniting the sub villages.

“Even if I wanted unity but if they didn’t feel they wanted it, it wouldn’t happen,” said Lautafi.

“I just initiated it and worked through people that made it happen…so the Alii and Faipule made it possible with the support of pastors.”

Lautafi said he trusts the decision from Satupa’itea and will leave it to them.

The sub-village of Leala o Ali’i in Faleasi’u is taking a firm stand against smoking.

The village is taking part in an international anti-smoking campaign, by reaching out to the community to encourage people to quit smoking.

The initiative is part of the World Health Organisation’s Package of Essential Non- Communicable Disease (P.E.N.) programme.

Representatives from the World Health Organisation and villagers were there to take part in the programme. On Friday the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Tuitama, said nations were obligated to provide a healthy environment for future generations.

He said action to combat smoking would improve Samoans’ quality of life.

Tuitama said, after the project was launched in Faleasi’u last year, the villagers were immediately and actively involved.

“About 460 people aged above 18 were registered in the community registry form,” said the Minister. “Approximately 24 percent of people in Leala Ali’i were smokers. Which… unfortunately aligns with [the] population average.” Tuitama said people needed to seek help to quit smoking early on, to reverse smoking’s negative effects.

He praised the women’s committee of Leala Ali’I, Vaifoa, for their work pushing the antismoking message.

Committee President Taimamao Sauvao Leaupepetele said the programme had progressed since it was launched last year.

Taimamao stressed the importance of the project allowing villagers to be aware of the different diseases and negative effects of smoking. She said youth were the most vulnerable group to smoke, and efforts were being made to reach out to that demographic.

“At first we didn’t know that about 4000 chemicals are used to manufacture [cigarettes],” said the President.

“Our villages have become aware of it and we see changes in their mindset of choosing not to smoke and being more physically active… the pastors have also taken the programme on board to reach out to youth, elders and anyone.” P.E.N. is a set of protocols developed by W.H.O. for implementation at the primary care level in low resource settings.

P.E.N. Fa’a Samoa has three main pillars:

early detection of N.C.Ds, N.C.D. management and increased community awareness.

The model takes advantage of existing community structures, where extended families continue to play a significant role in daily life and culture.

A new hospital will soon be established in the constituency of Satupa’itea, Savai’i.

The project was revealed by Acting Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for Satupa’itea, Lautafi Selafi Purcell in an interview.

Speaking to the Sunday Samoan, Lautafi said their proposal for a hospital was approved by the Embassy of Japan.

Construction on the hospital will kick start in the beginning of next year.

As for the cost, Lautafi declined to put a figure on it saying it was early stages.

“It’s going to be a medical center to start off with,” said the Acting Prime Minister.

“The idea is to have it as a community-run project where there is a big involvement from the village in running the hospital…the professionals (doctors and nurses) will be there but the village will assist in terms of maintenance and keeping it clean.”

Lautafi said the women’s committee will play a key role in the project as well as the villages and their involvement.

What he would like to see, is the constituency taking ownership of the hospital and not be seen as “outsiders” with the mindset that it belongs to government.

“Women’s Committees manage day to day activities keeping it clean,” explained the Satupa’itea M.P. “It will generate employment for the constituency as well providing work for carpenters who can fix small things when they are broken in the hospital and also provide cleaners.”

The Acting Prime Minister added the district is finalising land to build the hospital on.

On another matter, Lautafi confirmed the subvillages of the constituency have unanimously agreed to back him in the March general election.

According to Lautafi the constituency was divided in the past 40 years but that has changed.

Asked what divided the constituency he explained it was differences amongst the ancestors a long time ago.

“That was my first priority when I entered (parliament); to reunite them,” recalled the Acting Prime Minister.

“In the past years it was difficult to bring the constituency together to meet but they have now stood in solidarity. I guess an indication of unity is them agreeing to support me.”

Lautafi said he had met with his sub village of PitonuĐ who had maintained their support for him and the same with the sub villages of Vaega and Satufia.

He added the Ali’I and Faipule and pastors played a huge role in uniting the sub villages.

“Even if I wanted unity but if they didn’t feel they wanted it, it wouldn’t happen,” said Lautafi.

“I just initiated it and worked through people that made it happen…so the Alii and Faipule made it possible with the support of pastors.”

Lautafi said he trusts the decision from Satupa’itea and will leave it to them.

They rowed in yesterday morning at the Matautu wharf to be welcomed with beating drums, fragrant mosooi leis and Samoan music.

The Coxless Crew are a team of four women, who have spent 95 days at sea, rowing from San Francisco to Hawai'i, where they stopped for a break, then onto Samoa.

They are here for seven days, before they continue their journey across to their final destination, Cairns, Australia. The journey covers 8,446 miles.

Laura Penhaul, Emma Mitchell, Natalia Cohen and Lizanne van Vuuren is the first female team and first fours team to row the Pacific Ocean.

They aim to raise 250,000 British Pounds and awareness for their two charities, ‘Walking with the Wounded’ and ‘Breast Cancer Care’. Half of the funds raised will go towards younger women who have breast cancer. And as for Walk with the Wounded, the funds are for women injured at war and who are the unsung heroes.

“The vision is to inspire others to reach their potential, push through their boundaries and meet and overcome the challenges that life throws at them,” said a press statement.

THE JOURNEY

Yesterday, during a press conference at the wharf, they were overwhelmed by the welcome.

It was a break from battling the current and the winds. Several times, thoughts of reaching the shores of Samoa looked impossible.

“The thought of that made us dig even deeper than we thought we could. And I think we left everything on the boat, everything on the ocean just to get here.

I’m so glad we did. It would’ve been a devastation to miss this,” said Ms. Penhaul.

At sunrise yesterday morning, they could see the island of Upolu. It was “magical”.

“You don’t know just how much this means to us to have arrived after almost 100 days,” said a team member. They were also excited about the food that Digicel Samoa had waiting on nearby tables.

In getting here, the crew is on two hour shifts throughout. On one side, the experience, they said, is out of this world, where they are alone in the middle of the ocean. And life revolves around rowing, eating and sleeping.

But most important, was the ability to look after each other as a team.

“I think that’s the one thing we’ve taken away from this is what the team means to us and how tight we’ve become as friends and like a family on the boat. And that we can face everything with laughter and humour.

There’ve been tears, upset, that you work so hard and yet you’re going backwards on the current,” said Ms. Penhaul.

The emotional challenges come but there is always the drive, the motivation and innovation to come to places like Samoa. And there are also people who following their blogs and send messages of support.

“Were in our little bubble out there and to hear that …other people are inspired by what we’re doing is so humbling…that’s what keeps us going,” she said.

One of the many highlights for the crew was when a whale, about two to three times the size of Doris, their boat, came at oars length and sprayed in the air and it went in their faces.

“Where do you get an opportunity to actually get close to something like that?,” said Lizanne van Vuuren. That alone is something they may never see again.

Then there was the shark that followed them for about a month.

They named him, Fernando. He was friendly, they said, and would always come and say hello.

The patron of the Coxless Crew is superstar, Kylie Mynogue, whom they have met. She has helped spread the word about their journey, which has led more people to getting involved.

The singer and actress has beaten breast cancer herself.

On hearing about their struggle through their journey here, she sent them a message.

“You’ve been six months at seas which is just mind-blowing. I know you’ve reached a point in your journey that is particularly challenging and I want you to know, I’m right behind you…Dig deep – Cairns is waiting for you on your final push. We send you lots of love…Well done girls!”

The crew admits that the journey is no easy forte. There are times where one doesn’t want to continue. But that is not a choice and as a team, you never let your team mates down.

“The strength of our team is that we really supported each other. We’ve all had our tough moments but luckily not all at the same time.”

They thanked the organizer here in Samoa, Nicola Mills, who had followed their blog, for organizing their stay.

The welcome was also attended by the British Honorary Consul, Taulapapa Brenda Heather-Latu and the Australian High Commissioner, Sue Langford.

“Your voyage is yet another part of the rich weaving that has created the history of Samoa and many countries of the Pacific and we are so proud and honoured that you have come here to Samoa to break your journey,” said Taulapapa in her welcome speech.

Meanwhile, Ms. Mills, the Digicel team and sponsors plan to make this visit memorable with lots of food, pampering and rest.

The Coxless Crew leaves on Monday with Meg Dyos, who will row with the girls to Australia.