That's what stands out the most — the natural beauty of Samoa, from the sliding rocks at Papasese to the heights of Sopoaga Falls to the views alongside the Trail of Loving Hearts that leads to the top of Mt Vaea, is immeasurable, but it’s the kindness of the people which is infinite. His wife makes us coffee and pancakes and during the national anthem as the camera pans across the Samoan line he gestures at the screen and tells us one of the players is married to his daughter, Salesa, and it becomes clear that of all the houses in all the villages in all of Samoa, we've ended up watching the match with Josh Papali'i's father-in-law. It will be the talk of Katefinau’s barber shop in the lead up and afterwards, and the day before the game the streets will be flooded and the flags will wave high and proud in the night and the sound will wreck the ears, fill the heart and cleanse the soul.
Author: Nick Campton
Published at: 2025-11-08 20:59:40
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