IIt's always tempting to make more or less well-founded comparisons when the Blues and Blacks meet. The cult of great attackers, the taste for movement… But if there is truly a common point between these two selections, beyond cosmetic clichés, it is probably their propensity to draw human resources from the archipelagos and kingdoms of Polynesia.
In the group of 42 who prepared the reception of New Zealand, this Saturday (9:10 p.m.) at the Stade de France, there were seven. Uini Atonio and Emmanuel Meafou, both born in New Zealand and of Samoan origins , Romain and Sébastien Taofifénua, the two brothers whose family roots extend as far as Wallis and Futuna, just like Peato Mauvaka and Yoram Moefana, born in Nouméa in New Caledonia. And, finally, the youngest, Tevita Tatafu, who arrived in Bayonne five years ago from the Kingdom of Tonga. A selection which inspired this comment from Peato Mauvaka: “It’s good to add islanders to the group. »
If the French XV is one, then the community of Pacific players forms an entity in its own right in Marcoussis. A circle within a circle. “Everyone knows that we, the “Peaceful”, are very family,” says Uini Atonio. We like to laugh and spend time together. That doesn't mean we only stay among ourselves. We talk a lot with others. But we also know that when things are hard, we can count on each other. […] After a while, we're like brothers. »
This specificity, the XV of France makes it one of its riches. Even beyond the advantage that constitutes their genetic dispositions which endow them with physical capacities like no other, assures William Servat. “I’m going to tell you a little secret, I love this circle”, enthuses with tenderness the co-coach of the forwards of the XV of France. “These are people, physically and humanly, extraordinary. When they are in the group, they help it to transcend itself. »
The cell has its codes
The cell has its own codes. It is nourished as much by the similarity of the cultures of the members who compose it as by the variety of the paths which led them to the CNR. “We all come from far away, we know what it means not to be with our families,” agrees Uini Atonio. “Our parents grew up the same way: on the islands, without having much. In fact, there is similarity in difference (laughter). »
We must probably look in this common DNA for the reason for the reproduction of certain patterns. Polynesian society is often structured around a patriarchal figure. In Marcoussis, it was Uini Atonio who took on this role. Big beard perched a little less than two meters high, silhouette betraying almost 150 kilos… The Rochelais has the ideal profile. “Uini, he’s the boss!” », laughs Yoram Moefana.
The “promotion” brings a smile to the person concerned: “They say that because I am the oldest (34 years old). But I still think that there is no real hierarchy. With Romain (Editor's note, Taofifénua, also 34 years old), we helped the others when they arrived. » A version corroborated by Peato Mauvaka: “He is not the leader, rather the “dad” of the whole group. Even when it's hard, he always sends good vibes to the whole team. »
L’instant kava
Despite their assumed discretion, the Islanders fuel the life of the Blues in Marcoussis. We remember the Polynesian barbecue prepared by Henry Tuilagi, Posolo's dad, just before his son's first selection during the 2024 Six Nations. But there are more intimate moments. “We sometimes make kava in Marcoussis,” says UBB pillar Sipili Falatea who, without an injury, would have increased the number of Futuna players on this tour.
“We put on the WhatsApp group that we are going to make a little kava: the room is often full”
“When we have two weeks, without a match on the weekend, we can do it,” confirms Uini Atonio. “Quiet, just to talk together. And what's cool is that it's not just us. We put on the WhatsApp group that we are going to make a little kava: the room is often full. » Relaxing, this herbal beverage is not alcohol, so it is tolerated by the new French lifestyle. “It’s a tradition, it’s important that it can exist,” we confirm internally.
These little things may seem trivial. However, they are not, assures William Servat. Intertwined with each other, they are the ones who give strength to the influence of the island community despite their introverted characters. “These people are sometimes made of fewer words, because they are a little more discreet characters. A Peato is not going to fill you with writings and words for example. But he is a real leader on the field. » The best field of expression of the Polynesian “brothers” of the Blues.
