Afusipa Taumoepeau

Winger Afusipa Taumoepeau has joined the CA Brumbies on an Academy contract for the 2008 season. Taumoepeau, a member of last year’s Australian Schoolboys that defeated New Zealand, has already represented the CA Brumbies on two occasions, having made his Investec Super 14 debut against the Reds in Week Three. The former St Joseph’s College student will resume his position on the CA Brumbies bench in their first match of their two-week South African tour in Cape Town. Brumby Jack caught up with ‘Sipa’ prior to the CA Brumbies match against the Stormers on Saturday night.

Brumby Jack: How have you found being part of a professional rugby program?
Afusipa Taumoepeau: It’s been great being around players I idolised when I was younger and I feel very blessed to be with the Brumbies.
 
BJ: At only 18, did you expect to be making your Investec Super 14 debut this year?
AT: Definitely not. My main goal this year was to adapt as best I can from school rugby to senior rugby. But I definitely didn’t think about playing Super 14.

BJ: What have you thought of your Investec Super 14 experiences so far?
AT: In the time I’ve had, I may not have touched the ball much but it’s just been great experience playing at that level at 18.

BJ: Has it made it easier being part of the CA Brumbies alongside players like Matt Toomua, Talalelei Gray and Brent Hamlin who you played alongside with the Australian Schoolboys last year?
AT: Definitely. It’s been great having them here. They’ve been great in comforting me, keeping my head level and having a joke, so it’s been great having them around.

BJ: What have you found to be the main differences between playing school representative football and senior football?
AT: The speed and physicality of the game. Every tackle you go into is a tough tackle and you’ve got to be prepared for that.

BJ: What are you expecting from the Stormers on Saturday night when you get on?
AT: They’re a big side and we’re expecting them to b really physical and quick – they’ve got some very fast outside backs.