Experienced No.8 Tokakece bolstering MSP’s Jubilee Cup title hopes

Above: After almost a decade away in the Hawke's Bay, Manawatu, Fiji, Germany and Sri Lanka, Peniasi Tokakece has returned to Marist St Pat's this season and has earned his Premier blazer. Along with first five-eighth Fa'atonu Fili, he played in the 2003 Jubilee Cup final.

Peniasi Tokakece works in the middle of the night on a construction site. From 9:30pm to 6am he is involved in earthquake strengthening the Majestic Centre on Boulcott Street.

The powerful Fijian nomad has considerably strengthened Marist St. Pats too.

The No.8 has scored four tries in his last two games to help the red machine tame Tawa twice and earn a place in the Jubilee Cup final.

Tokakece has played a Jubilee Cup final. Fa'atonu Fili and himself are the only survivors from the 2003 defeat to Poneke.

"I don't remember a lot about that game to be honest", Tokakece reveals. "Poneke had a very good side that year and nothing seemed to go right for us on the day. I hope Saturday is different."

Tokakece was educated at St. Patrick’s College, Silverstream. He spent three successful years in the First XV (1999-2001) and always seemed destined for first-class rugby.

Tokakece was a Wellington Under-18 representative and a key figure in a side that won 54 out of 65 games - including a Wellington Under-21 championship and a Premier One title. "I loved schoolboy rugby", Tokakece recalls.

"The bond between the boys was really strong and you learn a lot."

One particular game stands out. In 2000 Silverstream rallied from 0-17 down to beat Palmerston North Boys' High School. Tokakece scored two tries and recalls the halftime harangue of coach Father Mark Walls.

"It was just unbelievable. He went septic, his face went bright red and his voice turned hoarse. The boys respected him hugely and fronted in the second-half."

After leaving school Tokakece spent three years in the Hawke's Bay. He played for Napier Old Boys Marist and appeared in seven games for the Magpies.

"I enjoyed my time in the Hawke's Bay, but I had a few injures and a lot of competition," he says.

In 2007 Tokakece returned to his native Fiji. He wanted to crack the national team for the World Cup.

"I ended up in Fiji a lot longer than I intended. I missed the squad and lost some form and fitness," Tokakece reflects.

He returned home in 2008 and spent two seasons playing for Palmerston North Marist Old Boys. While there he linked up with Frankie Bryant, MSP's second-five and a vital member of their success this year.

"I was surprised when I got to MSP and saw Frankie there too. He is a really good player and a big part of why we are in the final," Tokakece says.

Bryant played 80 games for Manawatu and interestingly was a 63.5kg lightweight national boxing champion.

Restless Tokakece went to Germany in 2010. SC Frankfurt 1880 proved to be a home away from home.

"There were 13 Kiwis in our team and lots of others scattered around the place. There was a rule in which you had to field two Germans in your 22 so the Germans mostly played on the bench," Tokakece laughs.

"The standard of the competition, which was semi-national ,varied. There was a huge gap between the top clubs and the bottom clubs, but I really enjoyed it."

In 2011 Tokakece switched codes and tried league in the Hawke's Bay. That was a short-lived venture and he soon packed his bags again. This time Sri Lanka was the destination.

"I spent a few months playing in Colombo. That was quite different to Germany. The grounds were hard, fast and hot, if you got to them on time, the traffic was atrocious. You were only allowed two imports per team so the standard varied greatly depending on the local talent."

"There were some big guys, but then you would get these sticks out on the wing who would grass cut you the whole game, " Tokakece laughs.

As recently as 2013 Tokakece represented Hawke's Bay in sevens. However first-class rugby isn't a serious ambition anymore.

"If it happens, it happens, but I am not counting on it. I have really enjoyed my club footy this season and winning the Jubilee Cup this Saturday is my main focus."

Why will MSP win?

"It's going to be a tough game. OBU are a really good side, but I think we are all getting along and peaking nicely. We got a hiding from Ories, but since then our form has been good," Tokakece says.

"The loose forward battle will be big but Isaac (O'Connor), Josh (To'omaga) and myself are combining well. I am really looking forward to it."

Did You Know?

Tokakece means working together and sharing.

Peniasi's dad Viliame is a seaman who spent over 30 years working for the Interislander. Mum Katrina is an early childhood teacher and his sister Sera played netball for Wellington and sevens rugby for Fiji.