Steve Hansen's visit to Samoa has ended on a high note this morning - the bestowing of a chief's title which he received on behalf of the All Blacks.
In a service which began before dawn in the main fale of Vaiala, on the outskirts of Apia, the All Blacks coach accepted the high title of Tupuiovao, or "King of the Forest".
Samoa's Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi was in attendance, as were many other elders from Vaiala - about a kilometre from Apia Park where the All Blacks yesterday beat Manu Samoa 25-16 - and the surrounding villages.
During the ceremony, Hansen said of the All Blacks' historic visit: "It's very special for our Samoan boys who have wanted to come here for a long time to play in front of their people."
Afterwards, he said: "It was very special and very humbling. I'm not sure if I'm worthy of being a chief but I'll certainly accept it on behalf of the All Blacks."
Hansen conceded he was apprehensive before the ceremony. "It's natural isn't it? You don't really know what's going to happen. I don't like too much palaver in my life anyway but this was special and something I'll remember forever.
"The whole Samoan week has been pretty special - particularly when we arrived out of the plane, and it hasn't stopped, really. We've built some great relationships and got a win and didn't get anyone injured so it was perfect."
As has been the case at several public events featuring the All Blacks and the Samoa Prime Minister, Tuilaepa threatened to steal the show with his quip during the ceremony. "From now on I will have trouble retaining my Manu Samoa boys," he said.
"They will all want to serve you, another prominent chief."
Hansen, wearing traditional ceremonial clothes, was seated between Tuilaepa and Ken Laban, a New Zealand broadcaster with significant links to Vaiala who was a strong advocate of Hansen receiving the Tupuiovao title.
Laban, who also spoke during the ceremony, along with his sister Luamanuvao Winnie Laban, said the recognition was the right thing to do.
He told the Herald of the events leading up to the test which he said was the most-watched television event in Samoa's history: "I've been coming and going to Samoa since the 1960s and I've never seen the scenes we've had over the past few days.
"It is just a game of football but for the people of Samoa it is more than that and the legacy that Steve Hansen and this All Black team have left will be long lasting. There wouldn't have been an All Black test in Samoa without Steve Hansen.
"He told me the defining decision to approve the game from his perspective was after he spoke to his senior Samoan players in the All Blacks - Jerome Kaino, Keven Mealamu and Ma'a Nonu."
The elders made it clear to Hansen that his future was assured if things didn't work out with the All Blacks. One said: "When New Zealand axe you as a coach, come and coach Vaiala!"
Source - NZ Herald
