Joeli Vidiri, the greatest All Black that never was | Scratched: Aotearoa's Lost Sporting Legends

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ค. 2020
  • In 1996, Joeli Vidiri was set to be the star of New Zealand rugby alongside his good friend Jonah Lomu. But deteriorating kidneys led to his early retirement from the sport, aged just 27. Today, Joeli works at a hardware store in Auckland and is grateful everyday for the kidney transplant he received in 2015.
    From tennis champions to dance craze inventors, Scratched celebrates New Zealand sporting heroes who never got their due - but whose legacies deserve to be in lights.
    Made with the support of NZ On Air
    For more about Scratched: thespinoff.co.nz/tag/scratched/
    #JoeliVidiri #JonahLomu #AllBlacks #Rugby
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ความคิดเห็น • 207

  • @thespinofftv
    @thespinofftv  ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Latest episode of Scratched on Heath Davis here: th-cam.com/video/Bo_gOfj87SU/w-d-xo.html

  • @skee6793
    @skee6793 3 ปีที่แล้ว +88

    I remember the Auckland supporters shouting/singing "Joeli Give Me Hope" !!! like the song "Joana Give Me Hope"......everytime he took the ball, Eden park erupted 🇫🇯🇳🇿

    • @renegadeone2058
      @renegadeone2058 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same when he played for counties 👏🔥

    • @that682kid.C
      @that682kid.C 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      🤣🤣🤣 bro I swear to God thou lol hahaha legend in the sport

    • @taraishot100
      @taraishot100 ปีที่แล้ว

      I supported Wellington but when I was a kid I use to sing that to 😂😂😂

  • @callumhey8577
    @callumhey8577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    An experience one of my mates and I will never forget till the day we die. One really foggy evening after a game at Eden Park as students sitting in the old Terraces, shortly after Joeli was forced to retire... they allowed the crowd to storm the field. We ran on and about the 22 meter line this massive figure emerged from the mist walking towards us. It was Joeli. My mate and I sprinted towards him. I side stepped left and my mate side stepped right. Coming together behind him we high five and cheered. Joeli burst out laughing. He knew what had just happened. From that moment on (and today we still tell our kids) about the day we side stepped Joeli Vidiri on Eden Park.

  • @Sammo81
    @Sammo81 3 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    You were one of my heroes in rugby growing up. You and Jonah! Forever legends of Counties Manukau 🔴⚫️⚪️

  • @greylynn-snakevenom113glc7
    @greylynn-snakevenom113glc7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ofa atu Joeli! I remember watching you when I was a kid in the 90s. During the NPC days.
    Rest in Love Big Joeli ofa atu..

  • @RoadTo100PushUps
    @RoadTo100PushUps 3 ปีที่แล้ว +45

    I lived in South Africa and supported SA teams during Joelis time. We hated it when he got the ball! Respect to you Joeli.

  • @danfromnz5966
    @danfromnz5966 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    I was a huge fan of Joe back in the day. One of Nz great wingers. Thank you my Fijian brother. Arohanui my bro

  • @scottandchels6813
    @scottandchels6813 3 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    Nice to see Joeli being honored like this.

  • @robtaggart4166
    @robtaggart4166 3 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    What a humble kind hearted NZ sporting legend. All the best joelie

  • @garydiaz7451
    @garydiaz7451 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    He use to do dialysis with my papa back when i was in high school. Would always make everybody smile.

  • @korro5870
    @korro5870 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    Very touching story - We only saw the smiles in his face but behind those smiles, it’s a man struggling to even survive - battling kidney problem

  • @JumboWiniata
    @JumboWiniata 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    How many people can say Jonah cleaned his boots bloody Legends what a deadly combo

  • @greylynn-snakevenom113glc7
    @greylynn-snakevenom113glc7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    God bless this Fijian Warrior JOELI VINDIRI..

  • @TYMiracleEst
    @TYMiracleEst 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This Man has got the BIGGEST HEART ❤ ... His Humanity & Humble NESS is nothing LESS than a whole lot of Love & ❤ Kindness....God Bless & Go Counties.

  • @RizDaMan73
    @RizDaMan73 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Unstoppable. Two great legends of the game, often forgot that they had a human side.
    RIP Jonah.

  • @thedr00
    @thedr00 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I remember watching him tear it up for Auckland back in the day. My cousin came and spent the summer at our house and we'd watch the Super 12 on Sky Sports. He's a big England fan and couldn't understand why I was so into Southern Hemisphere Rugby. I told him to watch Vidiri and he scored a wonderful chip and chase try within minutes of kickoff. He looked at me and simply said "I get it".
    A great man. Thanks for the memories!

    • @billykumar3159
      @billykumar3159 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I also watch in Eden park hewas sent off 10 min got 3 tries that night

  • @momeachokesloma4894
    @momeachokesloma4894 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Life is precious. Rest easy legend. Humble man. God be with your family during this time.

  • @charliemanjet8499
    @charliemanjet8499 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Much alfoaz big uso thank you for your time. Always in our hearts you and lomu

  • @fijibatiislander7219
    @fijibatiislander7219 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Great tribute to an amazingly gifted man. Highly respected at home in Fiji 🇫🇯 we loved watching him as a kid. Vidiri & Lomu man what a pair .. RIP Lomu God Bless them both great men 🙏✊

  • @because_the_internet
    @because_the_internet 4 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    This whole series is great, this one hit different. Really top notch stuff here.

  • @victorlarkins2404
    @victorlarkins2404 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Brought up in rewa...wemouth loved these two lads and even played alongside the bigman for Weymouth in 94 rest easy brothers

  • @hohepateika1
    @hohepateika1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +37

    I went to an Eden Park open day in the 90s and took a photo of him and my son. I still have it. My son is now 27. Next time I go to NZ I will make a point of going to that Mitre 10 Store (what branch?) and will show him that photo. Much respect.

  • @octodadmtbmartyrichards2862
    @octodadmtbmartyrichards2862 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Uncle Joe!
    You are the pioneer. He is humble, smiley and very respectful.
    Congratulations on your transplant and may God bless you and your family!

  • @Howsyafatherrrrr
    @Howsyafatherrrrr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for the wonderful memories Joeli, you were truly a remarkable athlete, especially while Jonah Lomu was around. RIP till the Rugby Universe Cup in Heaven.

  • @tongatau
    @tongatau 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    This beautiful.. I need more episodes like this...

  • @sirelilewalau3859
    @sirelilewalau3859 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a story what a life what an achievement Joe. May your soul Rest in Peace

  • @pierreallan3328
    @pierreallan3328 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    RIP Joeli, Great player, Great person

  • @kenrehill8775
    @kenrehill8775 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I met joeli in exactly that hardware store in 2011 during my two months visit to NZ for RWC, such a nice guy.

  • @jpowell2603
    @jpowell2603 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    RIP Joeli Vidiri. Blues and Counties legend!💯🔥

  • @waltergreen5894
    @waltergreen5894 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I saw Joeli when he was working at Mitre 10 in Pukekohe around 2002 - I did'nt realise how big he was until I saw him - RIP Joeli

  • @isirelisolo4462
    @isirelisolo4462 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Touching life story. RIP Legend

  • @bernadettepuerto1479
    @bernadettepuerto1479 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    may the soul of Joeli rest in peace andmay God bless soul amen im Pilipino but i love rugby and im so sad hear the news that they had pass away goodbye Joeli

  • @chriskoia3496
    @chriskoia3496 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    You were the man joei love you bro huge respect for you my brother

  • @WHANAUPEACE
    @WHANAUPEACE 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    A sad situation for such a Legend. You'll always be a legend Mr Vidiri.

  • @kathyrob7980
    @kathyrob7980 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think you're amazing, and you will never be forgotten by me or God, because you are a very humble man, give my love to you and your family and your mum

  • @vanidimate6078
    @vanidimate6078 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    REST HIGH, SIR! INDEED A TRUE HERO..

  • @lauratabrum
    @lauratabrum 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Joeli you are a legend!! Whenever I see you I feel like singing. Your soul and spirit is a light to this world and especially Pukekohe . Bless you brother 👍🤗

  • @ulamilakura-i-marievakalal8215
    @ulamilakura-i-marievakalal8215 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    He was my brother's good friend since their boarding school days in Fiji. Moce mada Joeli. Te Atua Te Aroa!

  • @fijianz1
    @fijianz1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Joeli was unbelievable. Blazing speed for a big guy.. and the song "Give me hope Joeli" when he payed.. gb

  • @rmanuel67
    @rmanuel67 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I remember watching him play, you always wanted to see get the ball because you didn't know what he was going to do.

  • @DrAAAli
    @DrAAAli 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Amazing production, wonderful seeing Joeli smiling, saw him live twice 1994 v Wellington and 1997 v Canterbury in the final, super human athlete.

  • @mungogerryjnr
    @mungogerryjnr 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My mother had her kidney transplant the week before Jonah’s.
    The week after Jonah left hospital she was back and she died two days later.
    I also will soon need a kidney transplant but it gives me strength to watch this and see such a humble genuine awesome man speak.
    Never take tomorrow for granted and treat everyone as if you won’t see them again.
    I have learned this!

  • @hoii962
    @hoii962 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks for the memories Joeli
    🦵Rest In Pace 🦵

  • @svenseru4949
    @svenseru4949 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Big Joe Vidiri a legend n a humble guy. Moce mada Joe

  • @Sulu-sw3zo
    @Sulu-sw3zo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Heartbreaking story. So sad. Manuia lau malaga.

  • @Matt.SonicBoom
    @Matt.SonicBoom 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    When first put on the counties jumper I was there ..you played powerfully and gracefully I've always been a big fan of you and so have my family especially my mum Paula Cross.. I'm glad things with your transplant worked out your an amazing man keep well big Joe peace and luv to you and your family

  • @No1nate1
    @No1nate1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What a legend. Changed the game. Nothing but respect for you brother.

  • @lbradshaw6817
    @lbradshaw6817 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Joeli on one wing Jonah on the other what a sight!!

  • @wolbi01
    @wolbi01 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Legends never die, they are remembered forever

  • @Paleos1000
    @Paleos1000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Bloody heartbreaking in bits.

  • @dandyde569
    @dandyde569 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Joelli I hope you read this. Growing up your were one of my favourite players, so gifted, strong, quick and could of played anywhere from 1 to 15 and made a very good job of it. And then you were gone, without a trace, the video gave me closure almost, to know that somebody made a video that told your story. Much respect, great job guys. Nothing but love all the way from England.

  • @MeanAzz_13
    @MeanAzz_13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It was my pleasure watching you and Jonah *scorched* those touch lines Joeli 💪🏾

  • @Luv_2P
    @Luv_2P 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My Fav.Akl player of all time 😭😭😭🇳🇿🇫🇯💚

  • @petelosuaniu
    @petelosuaniu 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Absolute legend. One of Counties/Blues greatest ever players. I remember when he stepped Andre Joubert in the 1996 super 12 final. Didn't lose an inch of speed and the Great Joubert was left hanging onto thin air.

  • @MrT67
    @MrT67 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A mates brother played against Joeli and Jonah in the same match; Counties v Canterbury. He rated Joeli as the better of the two.
    I moved from Christchurch to Auckland a few years back and live near Pukekohe these days. I see him in Mitre 10 occasionally.
    I've always wanted to shake his hand and tell him my mate played against him and rated him so very highly.

  • @tanielatuiqali3745
    @tanielatuiqali3745 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for this production. Much love and respect from Australia

  • @ben1447
    @ben1447 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I saw him play against england at Twickenham when he played for NZ baa baas in 1996, he was awesome.

  • @leaisoufeauyoutube
    @leaisoufeauyoutube 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for sharing your story dear Joeli, God bless you and guide you through lifes journey 🙏🙏❤❤

  • @johnnyhammer
    @johnnyhammer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Strange title, considering he was an All Black. An incredible achievement that can never be taken away.

  • @kamikaze326
    @kamikaze326 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Rest easy Joeli Vidiri , all the way from 🇫🇯 Fiji🥲🥲🥲🥲

  • @Blooduso
    @Blooduso 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rest easy my tagane 💙💙💯💯🇼🇸🇫🇯🇼🇸🇫🇯❤❤💯💯

  • @oscarjimenez9244
    @oscarjimenez9244 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Certainly, it makes you think and, in a way, brings your feet back to the ground. Thanks for this real life story of a great, impressive rugby player!!

  • @jayh8200
    @jayh8200 3 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    What a great spinoff, should done more great almost all blacks or all blacks that started but dropped off... But great work with this one I remember watching Jo play at Eden pack against Auckland!!

  • @twuandixon8675
    @twuandixon8675 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Its like the body can't handle this legend and Jonah living at Kaioken X20 for to long and they push their abilities beyond their bodies capabilites.

  • @mareenz1
    @mareenz1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Madeline - you've done it again. This was just beautiful storytelling. Thanks for introducing me to Joeli

  • @peterryder3812
    @peterryder3812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved to watch you carve up your opposition like a hot knife through butter 💚✌🏾

  • @davidchristensen9645
    @davidchristensen9645 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A fantastic person and a great player, be proud Joeli :-)

  • @jimmyfontaine7812
    @jimmyfontaine7812 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of the true greats! You are a real hero Joeli. Good doco. Thanks.

  • @bigdosser7448
    @bigdosser7448 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Makes me proud to be an Auckland blues man knowing some of the great men that played in the jersey, how their character shown throughout the game they loved💯

  • @MrFijibati
    @MrFijibati 3 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    The 1st of many Flying Fijians that opted to play for NZ 🇳🇿
    Paved the way for Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Sevu Reece and Hoskins Sotutu (Announced soon).

    • @chiefsallday842
      @chiefsallday842 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Bernie Fraser 🐐

    • @TheForge10
      @TheForge10 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      in the end their choice no one forces them to play for anyone

    • @mataicakau237
      @mataicakau237 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@TheForge10 did you get out on the wrong side of the bed?

    • @TheForge10
      @TheForge10 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mataicakau237 ......

    • @mataicakau237
      @mataicakau237 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@TheForge10 your initial comment does not make sense

  • @nicprince4198
    @nicprince4198 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Legend of the game! Wish you all the best! Stay strong and know that you give people hope as you a good Motivation for us all! Wish you health, wealth and prosperity! Was good watching you play and even better now seeing your fighting spirit! Love from South Africa.

  • @PCgonemad-ih9pr
    @PCgonemad-ih9pr 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Nice video, And Johnny boy you were also a monster of a winger!!

  • @frostysfreeway2320
    @frostysfreeway2320 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Rip Joeli. Lit up the field every time you played. Thank you 🙏

  • @MisterDBP
    @MisterDBP 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    One of my all time favourites

  • @tamanilabaibure622
    @tamanilabaibure622 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rest in peace legend❤️

  • @fiji82bad
    @fiji82bad 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Joeli, You were one of my heros growing up. I would have loved to have met you. RIP

  • @palmyboy2012
    @palmyboy2012 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Loved this episode so much!!

  • @markknopflerisnot
    @markknopflerisnot ปีที่แล้ว

    This brought a tear to my eye...lovely presentation about a great and humble man...thank you Spinoff

  • @cjft80
    @cjft80 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    A legend 🇫🇯

  • @mordecai7400
    @mordecai7400 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    He’s a Legend love you man, he coaches my team and is a great guy

  • @cruzfj8353
    @cruzfj8353 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Rip legend 😢

  • @yazeedjacobs2173
    @yazeedjacobs2173 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Growing up Joeli was one of my favorite players, those who handsomely benifitted from his magical displays of greatness should be ashamed that he was not financially secured for life. Same with Jonah and the rest...

  • @obriena10000
    @obriena10000 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Loved watching him play - always wondered why he disappeared suddenly.

  • @idenhlm
    @idenhlm 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am not sure what your heading is about, joeli Vidiri was simply a great player who bought so much to new Zealand rugby. Sacrificed so much to play in NZ.

  • @joshualeighton6883
    @joshualeighton6883 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Beautiful man and beautiful family 👪.. God bless..

  • @julianalderson6996
    @julianalderson6996 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great vid" i thoght hed gone over seas" awesome player wish em all the best. yer sad to"

  • @DharmendraKumar-es5iv
    @DharmendraKumar-es5iv 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Fiji loves you bro

  • @skamuli
    @skamuli 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for these videos

  • @Hitsystem
    @Hitsystem 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a great , humble man Joeli is!

  • @eugenemakwena6792
    @eugenemakwena6792 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    In Afrikaans some coloureds use the term "Vidiri boude". Basically having muscular thighs like Vidiri. Lol silly but part of some local terms in south africa. 💚🇿🇦

    • @jaromejackandrews5552
      @jaromejackandrews5552 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We have this tale in fiji that we traveled from a great tree in Africa.

  • @classicjonesy
    @classicjonesy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Kidney problem thats so sad.. same thing that happened to Jonah Lumo, I'm glad hes still here

  • @ericduminil
    @ericduminil 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Really beautiful and touching episode. Thanks, and congrats to him for what he's achieved, on and off the rugby field.

  • @williamwallace2278
    @williamwallace2278 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    What a horrible prospect to have to play against! The two J's combo 😱

  • @thedappercook
    @thedappercook 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Vinaka Joeli. RIP and Vale to you brother.

  • @islander730
    @islander730 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    StAy strong Joeli God bless

  • @ynotegg
    @ynotegg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great rugby player. Loved watching him run 💯

  • @lukefleming7231
    @lukefleming7231 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gotta love him!

  • @fififinance7469
    @fififinance7469 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Love hearing the tangible actions that you're implementing to make progress towards your dreams and aspirations!👍

  • @saddammall3894
    @saddammall3894 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Sad to know, my dad loved these guys, don't know about the 10 dislikes, some people just foolish, but great video keep up the efforts, appreciate

    • @garethhancock8525
      @garethhancock8525 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      The dislikes are most probably from Bunnings workers

  • @aviram4wd262
    @aviram4wd262 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Good to see the Legend ✌️