Tasman talent shift

Western Force’s New Zealand recruit Willie Ripia, who has just signed a two-year contract with the team, expects the migration of New Zealanders across the Tasman to continue in Super rugby. Murupara-born Ripia, 25, will occupy the team’s emerging foreign player spot, while his former Hurricanes team-mate David Smith is the side’s marquee import. Force prop Tim Fairbrother also went to Perth from the Hurricanes. There are several New Zealanders on the rosters of the other four Australian teams, including Sosene Anesi (Waratahs), Michael Harris (Reds) and Greg Somerville (Rebels). “New Zealand is spoilt for talent,” Ripia said. “They have so much talent that a lot of good players don’t get a run. I can definitely see a lot more New Zealanders coming over. The rugby is just as good here as it is over there. You’ll definitely see more players flying over the ditch.”