Superstar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and NFL quarterback Tua Tagovailoa have delivered impassioned messages to the Samoan squad, with the previous calling on the staff’s “grit” to win a historic World Cup and forge their “legacy”.
Johnson, whose mom is a proud Samoan lady, is a former wrestler and has change into one in every of Hollywood’s most profitable actors in recent times.
Upon listening to in regards to the Samoan aspect reaching their first ever World Cup closing and receiving messages from the staff, Johnson couldn’t assist however ship an empowering speech.
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“Agreement not to take my head off!” | 05:48
Coach Matt Parish has used imaginative and prescient of Samoan followers celebrating the world over to encourage his troops, and Johnson’s speech will certainly encourage Toa Samoa forward of Sunday morning’s (AEDT) closing.
“Here we go, I am delivering this message with boundless love and boundless reverence and respect, and boundless pride for my boys,” Johnson mentioned in an Instagram video.
“My usos, the Toa Samoa rugby team, they are going to the men’s final of the Rugby League World Cup.
“This is a big deal, they are making history in the world of sports, in the world of rugby, this is the first time that our island and our country, our culture of Samoa, has ever gone to the finals.
“For any sport, they are making history and I could not be more proud of them, and I just want to say a few things.”
Johnson is aware of what it takes the be knowledgeable sportsman, having performed American soccer for the University of Miami on an athletic scholarship earlier than signing with the Calgary Stampeders within the Candian Football League.
The 50-year-old then transitioned into wrestling and was part of the WWE for eight years previous to his illustrious performing profession.
Johnson refenced the time period, ‘Fa’a Samoa’ which suggests ‘the Samoan way’ and refers back to the Samoan tradition and traditions.
“This Saturday is the big game, there are a few things that I want to share with you guys, and I know you have got so much on your mind right now, pressure,” Johnson mentioned.
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“Pressure, the pressure to deliver, the pressure to perform, you have the world watching and you have so much on your shoulders.
“Right now you are proud grandsons, proud sons, proud husbands, proud fathers, proud teammates, proud brothers, proud usos.
“I understand what it’s like to have pressure, I understand what it’s like to do stuff where the world is watching so a few things I always think about when it comes to scenarios like this.
“Number one is grit, there’s a term that you guys know, it is called ‘Fa’a Samoa’ and when I was growing up my grandfather, my grandmother and even my mum, still today we talk about grit.
“I know my Samoan always need some improvement, but that is one of the many Samoan terms that I embody because to me my grandfather always taught me, yes ‘Fa’a Samoa’ is being proud of who you are, where you come from, what’s in your blood, in your DNA.
“That’s the thing that separates us from everyone else, it is the grit, the drive, that force that you operate as if your backs are up against the wall and there is nowhere to go but ahead, but forwards.
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“It’s grit I think about and the other one is legacy, and when it comes to legacy you guys are defining your legacy right here right now.
“So when you take that field in Manchester, you have that grit and our DNA is just full of that Samoan pride and culture.
“You think about that legacy and the legacy you guys wanted to find because there’s two sides to legacy, number one is the side you’ve already made history, you’ve arrived.
“But the other side of history, this is the special side, is when you take that field in Manchester, you leave it all out on the field and you win.”
Johnson additionally mentioned he would like to run our on the sector with the Samoan staff however would “probably get my arse kicked”.
“If I was there with you guys on Saturday I would put on that Toa Samoa jersey and I would take that field, man I’d be running that rock with you guys, I’d probably get my arse kicked,” Johnson mentioned.
“Grit, legacy, my usos I love you, we are all so proud of you, take that field and make history.”
Tagovailoa, in the meantime, additionally put a message on his Instagram account wishing the staff effectively forward of the ultimate.
“What’s up guys,” he began.
“Just wanted to give a big shoutout to the Toa Samoa rugby team for making history and also making it to the World Cup Final.
“You guys make guys like me very proud to be Samoan. I just wanted to wish you guys luck, know that we will be rooting you guys on and go get em’ baby.”