At the beginning of the year, Sir Gordon Tietjens took over the Manu Samoa Sevens. As part of their preparations, the team is competing in the New Zealand National Sevens tournament this weekend to prepare the team for the rest of the season (see story in Sports). From what you have seen so far since Tietjens arrived, what do you think of the progress of the team? Do you see Samoa winning tournaments with Tietjens at the helm? Misiona Simo asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

Paul Masina, 19,Siusega

I don’t trust Tietjens because some of the players don’t understand the language (English). I think that’s one of the many problems that our team needs to work on. How can they communicate if they don’t understand? Some tips not only for the rugby union to think about but also to those who want to become future ambassadors of Samoa in rugby.

Esau Esekia, 40, Faleula 

A good mindset is something our team needs to work on.  One of the games that I’ve watched on TV, they played they didn’t know what they’re doing. I have lots of expectations to our team and one of them is to become a champion of the world for this year’s legs. Go Manu!

Komiti Ulaulā, 39, Vailu’utai

No matter how good coaches we hire from time to time, but if they’re not into it – a waste of time! Just like a teacher and a student, no matter how hard the teacher try to adapt the mind of his student of what he’s trying to teach and if the student’s mind is somewhere else, then that’s a different story.

Samu Feilo, 35, Mulifanua

There’s an ‘improvement’ to our team now. We have a new coach and the boys need to work together to make it hundred percent.  Together we can make a change, my nephew is one of the players and I’m happy for him. Our team needs our support Samoa!

Paila Tavita, 20, Palisi

I’m not a rugby fan so I’ve never heard of that name Tietjens. But maybe he’s the one for our Manu Samoa team. He might find some success, I hope for the sake of Samoa.

Vince Afa, 30, Malololelei

They should work together, because the coach can’t do anything if they don’t work as a team. From what I know they should raise the allowance of the players. I think that’s one reason why they’re like that. If the government raise the allowance, for sure they’ll play well. Because we all have that mentality we play hard to get money for our families.