Ardie Savea proved his last remaining doubter wrong with a two-try salvo and a man-of-the-match performance in the Hurricanes' 27-20 win over the Highlanders.
Last year's Super Rugby champions gave it a fair rattle in Wellington but their hosts had too much power and pace to handle. It was a small measure of revenge for the 'Canes after they lost last year's final.
Moment of the match, though, was surely this overhead kick pass from the Highlanders' out-half that bamboozled the hell out of the Hurricanes.
Shaping to pass to teammate Malakai Fekitoa, Sopoaga then hooked a no-look kick over his shoulder. It took five players out in one motion, bounced up for Matt Faddes and led to a break that gained the Highlanders 50 metres.
Do not expect to see Joe Schmidt's Ireland pulling out this move in South Africa.
Glorious.
Still, it's no 'Back of the Hand Bullet Pass' [No.3].
Do not expect to see Joe Schmidt's Ireland pulling out this move in South Africa.
Glorious.
Still, it's no 'Back of the Hand Bullet Pass' [No.3].
