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Live sport on SN this weekend'My last World Cup': Tapine determined to make final count
Sport Nation • November 13th, 2026 1:56 pm
Joseph Tapine with Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and James Fisher-Harris | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Kiwis vice-captain Joseph Tapine is treating the World Cup as his last chance to make history, with winning the tournament for New Zealand his ultimate goal.
The 32-year-old lock is in his third World Cup, being apart of New Zealand’s disappointing campaign in 2017 and a semi-final defeat to Australia in 2022.
“It's probably my last chance," Tapine said.
“I'm older, so this is my last World Cup, so I'm going to go out there and give it my all to try and put our names in history."
Joseph Tapine leads the haka during the New Zealand Kiwis v Fiji World Cup match | Photo: Jason O’Brien/Photosport
Tapine said representing his country was his highest honour, reflecting on his upbringing and the importance of wearing the black jersey.
“Origin is such a huge beast, but for me, playing for my country… this is my top,” he explained.
“This is where I want to be, this is the camp I look forward to every year, and I want to do my best to win the World Cup for our country.
“We want to win and I want to do everything possible to do that.”
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