After announcing his commitment to represent Samoa internationally instead of Australia, Payne Haas expressed immense pride in playing for his heritage. The excitement surrounding his debut for the Samoan team has ignited interest in the international rugby scene. Haas described the privilege of performing in front of over 40,000 fans as “something special.” The emotional connection to his family and culture during this time was a significant factor for him.
“It means the world to play for Samoa,” Haas said, reflecting on his childhood ambition and the thrill of securing a win in Samoan colors. He shared how his family—especially his daughter and brothers—cherished this milestone, noting how being rooted in their culture enhances the experience.
In the recent match against Tonga, which marked their first international victory in seven outings, Samoa triumphed 34-6 at Suncorp Stadium. While Haas was a standout performer, the leadership of co-captains Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai was pivotal during the game, especially as they managed the 95-minute lightning delay. Haas praised Luai’s calming influence, highlighting his experience in State of Origin as beneficial to the team’s focus.
The win comes after a close loss to New Zealand, which Haas regarded as a learning opportunity. “We took a lot of learnings out of last week,” he commented, emphasizing the team’s determination to improve and strive for excellence. With the Pacific Championships Cup now in sight, Samoa is set on continuing their momentum. Haas confirmed, “We’re off to the final now and we want to be great again.”
As Samoa anticipates its next challenge, a decisive match against either Tonga or New Zealand awaits on November 9 at CommBank Stadium. The excitement among players and supporters alike is palpable, adding an uplifting sentiment to the team’s prospects in upcoming tournaments. With strong leadership and newfound confidence, Samoa is poised for future successes in international rugby.