Piri Weepu

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Piri Weepu

Weepu preforming the Kapo O Pango haka, which caused much controversy in 2006
Date of Birth:	7 September 1983
Place of Birth:	Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Height:	1.78m
Weight:	94kg
Position:	Scrum-Half
Country:	New Zealand
Test Caps:	15
Test Points:	22
Super 14 Team:	Hurricanes
Province:	Wellington

Piri Awahou Tihou Weepu (born 7 September 1983) is a New Zealand rugby union footballer. He plays scrum-half for the All Blacks on international level, Wellington Lions in the National Provincial Championship and the Hurricanes in the Super 14. He first won national honours against Wales in 2004. In 2005 was called back into the All Blacks squad for the first Tri Nations test during the South African Springboks, having missed selection for the 2005 British and Irish Lions tour.

Weepu hails from Wainuiomata, though as is the custom (for Wainuiomata players to not be considered for representative rugby if playing for Wainuiomata RFC) he played his senior rugby over the hill with Hutt Old Boys, under the tutelage of his mentor DB (Lower Hutt Rugby legend Derek Bruce). He attended Te Aute College.

During the Super 14 Final Piri Weepu made a bad tackle and was knocked out. However, due to the large amount of fog during the match, the team doctors were unable to see that he had been unconscious, and as such allowed him to continue to play. Later Piri admitted that he could not remember the game at all.

He bases his play on his power. He is extremely strong and heavy for a scrumhalf, but his physical condition doesn't seem to detract any agility or speed from his game. He plays a harassing game style, often putting in many tackles and forcing errors. He is reputed for being extremely tough and being very intimidating, particularly when leading the Haka.

[edit] External links

• Piri Weepu at AllBlacks.com