Murphy Taramai ? The Right Medicine

Sevens Rugby | 04 February 2015 | Adam Julian

A couple of months ago Murphy Taramai was working fulltime at the Trentham army base packing pills.?

This weekend the Upper Hutt Rams loose forward will take the stage at Westpac Stadium as a member of the New Zealand Sevens team who are seeking to defend their Wellington Sevens crown.?

Taramai seemed destined for a career in rugby league. His father Mata (now a civil engineer) was a stalwart for the Upper Hutt Panthers club. Growing up Murphy concedes he too preferred the 13-man code.

“I started my sporting career playing soccer. I played a little bit of rugby, but preferred league because it was more physical. At Upper Hutt College I played rugby on Saturday and league on Sunday. We were much better at league.”

Upper Hutt College was in fact a league powerhouse. They won the local competition three years in a row between 2008 and 2010. Murphy has fond memories of his college experience.

“We were undefeated for three years. The closest we came to losing was in the 2008 final when we beat Taita College in extra time. We had a really awesome group of boys. We were talented and worked hard.”

Sheridan Rangihuna, who played for Wellington Lions last year, was a member of the successful Upper Hutt teams.?

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Murphy’s accolades at Upper Hutt College attracted the interest of the Penrith Panthers. Murphy headed to Australia in 2011 for a crack at the NRL, but unfortunately this experience was not a success. ??

“I had a trial for the under-20’s, but didn’t make the team. I found the NRL really tough. It was very serious and a real eye-opener about professional sport. I have no regrets going over. I tried my best.”

Murphy returned to Upper Hutt in 2012 and decided to pursue rugby. He debuted on the local Sevens stage with a Player of the Tournament performance at the American Ambassador Sevens series in late 2012. He became a regular in the Wellington Sevens team in 2013 and was part of the team that claimed the National Sevens title in Rotorua in January 2014, the first national title by any Wellington team since 2002.?

Murphy says he enjoys the extra space sevens provides. “It’s a fast game. It allows you a lot of opportunities with ball in hand and can change real quickly.”

Murphy’s career changed in November when he was offered a contract with the New Zealand Sevens team. Murphy is somewhat awe-struck by Coach Sir Gordon Tietjens.

“Gordon is a hard man. His trainings are bloody ridiculous. He nearly breaks you every time. It’s all mental; you just have to hang in.”

Murphy quickly submits. “He is onto it though. He knows better than most. He is real innovative. He mixes things up a lot and if he sees something he doesn’t like he changes it straight away.”?

Murphy played in the first two legs of the IRB Sevens circuit in Dubai and George. South Africa won both those tournaments.?

What does New Zealand have to do to avoid a South African victory in Wellington?

“We have had a look at some video and are focusing on the breakdown. We gave away too many turnovers and they have a quick team that can punish you.”

On the subject of punishment, spectators appear to be less than enthused about the Sevens with only half of the tickets for the tournament sold. Does Murphy have any theories on the slow ticket sales?

“I wouldn’t have a clue. I went as a spectator last year and thought it was an awesome experience. I can’t wait to play in front of my home crowd. I am so proud to represent my country. We will all be going hard.”

Did You Know??

Murphy played ten minutes for the Wellington Lions against Taranaki last year.

Murphy loves American sports. His favourite sports team is the San Francisco 49ers

Murphy’s favourite rugby player is Tana Umaga, his favourite actor is Will Smith and his favourite food is Fettuccine.

Murphy’s hobbies are playing X Box and walking his dog Boston.