New Zealand
Players To Watch
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Dan Tavaga
Running Back
Running back Dan Tavaga scored the two decisive touchdowns in New Zealand's 12-7 victory over Oceania rival Australia in January to secure his country's qualification for the 2009 IFAF Junior World Championship. At only 5-foot-4, he is a pocket-sized threat bursting out of the backfield. Tavaga is one of the team's Fijian players and has two cousins playing on the Ironblacks' offensive line.
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Matt Gandy
Running Back/Fullback
Matt Gandy is a scholarship rugby athlete in New Zealand who hopes his performances in Canton, Ohio, will translate into similar offers to play NCAA college football. He stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs in at 190 pounds.
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Pati Sale
Defensive End
Pati Sale plays for the Auckland Panthers at home in New Zealand and is described by head coach Michael Mau'u as being a relentless defender of the ball.
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Mitch Crossland-Scott
Kicker/Punter
Playing for the Farnham Fast Lane Knights junior team in the in the British American Football League, Mitch Crossland-Scott was recruited to the New Zealand team in unique fashion. Having heard about the IFAF Junior World Championship in the UK, he asked to tryout for the team when visiting his homeland for a family reunion and was duly added to the roster when he impressed the watching coaches.
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Gus Hellesoe
Linebacker
Gus Hellesoe is an elite rugby and volleyball player in his New Zealand homeland. He led the Ironblacks in tackles in the team's historic qualification win against Australia.