New Zealand-born Fijian outside back Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens ticked a lot of boxes on his Highlanders debut in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round 1 win against the Moana Pasifika over the weekend.
The 22-year-old helped the Landers secure a 35-21 win, scored two tries, ran a game-high of 93 metres and beat 10 defenders earning him the Man of the Match award.
Ratumaitavuki, somewhat reluctantly, left the Blues in search of game time and ultimately an All Blacks jersey, and the win against Moana Pasifika was early validation for that decision.
Ratumaitavuki started at fullback over the weekend alongside his fellow Fijians Jona Nareki and Timoci Tavatavanawai who both started on the wings.
Reports have also stated that Ratumaitavuki’s debut is an indication that the Highlanders have finally found a successor to Ben Smith, four long years after the franchise icon ended his Super Rugby career.
Ratumaitavuki is likely to don the number 15 jersey again this weekend when the Highlanders take on the Blues at 7pm Friday.
The Super Round will be held this week and all Super Rugby Pacific matches will be held in Melbourne.
In other matches this week, the Rebels will play the Force at 9.10pm Friday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will play the Moana Pasifika at 6pm Saturday, the Crusaders will play the Waratahs at 8.35pm Saturday, the Chiefs will play the Brumbies at 3pm Sunday and the Hurricanes will play the Reds at 5.30pm Sunday.
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