The legendary All Blacks have named their squad. One player is, remarkably, named after Springbok legend Morne Du Plessis.
Du’Plessis Kirifi will finally get to represent the All Blacks at the age of 28.
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Du’Plessis Kirifi finally gets his chance for the All Blacks
28-year-old Du’Plessis Kirifi hasn’t gone the traditional route, but now, finally, he’s going to represent his beloved All Blacks in a three-test series against France. You might look at the Hurricanes flanker’s name and think it’s pretty unconventional, too, and that’s because it is.
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Kirifi is named after Springboks legend Morne Du Plessis
Kirifi’s father, Polaiu’amea (Jack) – a long-time flanker for Auckland club Ponsonby – played against Morne du Plessis in a club tournament in France. Amazingly, he named his eldest son after the then-Springbok skipper. In 2020, Morne sent his ‘namesake’ a special message:
“He got wind of [my name] and put together a little video and sent it to me when I was in South Africa last year, so that was pretty special of him to connect that way. I felt very privileged and blessed,” Kirifi told New Zealand’s Stuff website. “He just said ‘gidday mate, Morne here, I’ve been following your career, and he gave me a few tips and tricks and wished me all the best. He told me to work hard and stay humble.”
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‘Surreal, bro’
“It’s surreal, bro,” Kirifi said. “Flying into New Plymouth this morning, and driving through my childhood town, and seeing mum and dad here, it’s really cool to be back to where it started, I’m really grateful.
“It’s always humbling, you know. No matter where you go in your career, all of us started somewhere, so to be back here, especially where I played a lot of my childhood rugby, is a pretty cool moment. It’s a nice reminder of where you come from as a player and the people you represent.”
Have you heard Du’Plessis Kirifi’s story before?
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