November 05, 2012
Māori All Black steps up to the mark
The Māori All Blacks will be farewelled today for their European Tour, but one of the surprise selections has already made his mark.
Willie Ripia left the Western Force in disgrace in January with allegations of dressing room theft hanging over him, but Māori coach Jamie Joseph decided he deserved a second chance after spending the winter playing for a Bay of Plenty development side.
Ripia addressed the team when it assembled in Auckland on Saturday night about the gambling issues that cost him his Super Rugby career.
Senior player Ross Filipo says he won the respect of his team mates, and the question now is how big a contribution the first five- eighth can make in the three matches in Britain.
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