Brave Levi helps restore Samoan pride

Dec 10 2009 by Nick Purewal, The Journal

THEY might not have returned smiles to faces in the manner they intended, but Filipo Levi hopes the Samoan national side at least made their countrymen proud.

The devastation of the recent tsunami which struck Falcons back-rower Levi’s home island left many homeless and struggling to put shattered lives back together, while scores of Samoans lost their lives in the disaster too.

Samoa’s head coach Fuimaono ‘Dicky’ Tafua literally had no home to return to following his team’s autumn European tour.

However, he and the squad were desperate to do their bit on the field to boost morale among the people after recent troubles.

It did not work out that way, Samoa pushing Wales but failing to get the victory before suffering a 48-5 hiding in France.

Heads dropped, Levi said, but the former Ospreys star is hopeful players returned to their clubs at least proud of their guts given the circumstances.

It was far from complete doom and gloom, though, and he admitted the famously genial Islanders are not about to lose their infectious lust for life.

The imposing loose-forward said: “It was enjoyable to be back playing for the country, but it is always enjoyable when you get a bunch of Samoans together!