Timoci Tavatavanawai put one hand on the Highlanders No 14 jersey with a powerful showing against the Hurricanes thumping them 52-17 in a pre-season trial match.
Tavatavanawai displayed his unique qualities in an encouraging Highlanders display that also showed their new attacking shape with Sam Gilbert as the second playmaker at No 12.
But Tavatavanawai was irrepressible in his stint on the field, bumping off defenders, producing offloads and winning breakdown penalties in almost 60 minutes of action.
Coach Clarke Dermody has identified the outside backs as an area that is highly competitive, but Tavatavanawai’s power on both sides of the ball must surely give him the edge.
In a game of three 30-minute spells, the Highlanders led 17-5 after the first half-hour period, 36-12 after an hour and 52-17 at full time.
The Crusaders now take on Highlanders next Friday at 3pm in their last pre-season match.
The Hurricanes host Moana Pasifika on 17th May at 7.05pm in their first match of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Source stuff.co.nz
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