Faifili Levave is gutted he will not play against the All Blacks.
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But he’s got his eyes firmly set on representing Samoa at the Pacific Nations Tournament and the Rugby World Cup later.
For today though, Levave’s prayers will be with his former Super rugby team, Wellington Hurricanes as they take on the Brumbies for a spot in the Super 15 final.
“The boys have done really well,” he said. “I’m pretty confident they’ll go all the way. It will be a pretty special occasion.”
Playing his rugby in Japan, Levave says he is constantly following the progress of his old team.
Little has changed since Levave, who is based in Japan, has left.
He said former Coach, Mark Hammett had done a lot of ground work in terms of bringing young players through.
He acknowledged that the absence of Hammett and their former Coach, Namulauulu Alama Ieremia as a great loss.
But he said Chris Boyd and John Palmtree have done a really good job as those players have matured and are obviously coming into fruition now.
Ahead of the All Blacks, Levave said he is happy to be with the team at Leauva’a.
“It’s really good for me being here,” he said.
“I’m quite happy. It’s been really good getting with the trainers amongst the team and getting into rugby.
“Considering the occasion, we’re here to play rugby and we’re here to win. “
The past six months has not been easy for Levave, having undergone surgery five months ago.
His Achilles ruptured on New Year’s Day, but Levave is pretty much on the way to recovery in terms of rehabilitation.
During the interview, the Weekend Observer could not help but notice the tattoo’s on his arms. On his left arm are hibiscus and frangipanis.
They are my Mum’s favourite flowers and each flower represents a member of my family.”
On his right arm, are his wife and an angel to represent his daughter. Another is for his three-month old son.
He recently got a tiger tattooed on his chest which Faifili says, weens away bad luck. “The past six months, have been quite unfortunate with surgeries and in Japanese culture, the tiger gives you strength.”
He laughs as his family all have their sogaimiki.
Faifili instead has opted for the other. As for his beard, the original plans was to shave it off when his son was born in March.
“My main goal is World Cup. If I make the World Cup then I’ll shave it off,” he said laughing.
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