I don’t think I realised how much I missed having NPC rugby played across the country. The scintillating style and open game flow make it some of the most entertaining rugby from a spectacle standpoint.
Just like we did last week, we’re back with our second edition of Players of the Round, and once again it was an exciting and challenging process thanks to the sheer amount of talent on display. I faced the same dilemma this week, with so many players deserving of praise, but after plenty of umming, and ahhing, I’ve finally got my list.
5. Losi Filipo (1 Point)
The Lions picked up their first win of the season against Waikato in what was truly a team performance, with plenty of players stepping up. However, one of the standout performers across the entire weekend was Lions No. 14 Losi Filipo, who is once again looking like one of the most dominant ball carriers in the competition.
He didn’t manage to score or register an assist, but he broke the line four times, often shrugging off multiple defenders each time he carried the ball. This allowed him to rack up 92 meters on the day and showcase his full skill set in terms of kick, run, and pass, which is rare to see from a winger.
The 2024 season was his breakout year, and if this performance is anything to go by, he could be set to dominate the competition once again.
4. Tom Christie (2 Points)
This was a classic Tom Christie performance and one that does the famous red and black No. 7 jersey very proud. As many know, Christie is a workhorse and arguably the hardest worker in all of New Zealand rugby. He lived up to that billing during the famous Auckland vs Canterbury clash, as he led his side to a well-fought victory that went right down to the wire.
The Canterbury captain threw himself into an eye-watering amount of work. He led his side in tackles with 19 made and also topped the team in carries with 12. That’s a mountain of effort on both sides of the ball from the skipper. He was also dynamic at ruck time, as he usually is, generating three turnovers and giving his team repeated opportunities to launch attacks off the back of high ball volume.
There’s no doubt that if Canterbury are to follow in the footsteps of the Crusaders this season, we’ll be seeing more and more performances like this from their captain.
3. Bradley Slater (3 Points)
Another big name showing out in the second round of the NPC season was Taranaki hooker Bradley Slater, who continues his strong form from the Super Rugby season. He had a solid game in phase play with nine carries and got stuck into his usual work defensively and around the ruck.
However, it was his work at lineout time and in mauling situations that really allowed him to stand out in this one. Taranaki dominated their own throw, going 19 from 19 at a 100 percent success rate, and Slater was a key part of that. Behind a powerful Taranaki maul, he managed to score three tries from the back of the rolling maul. While he might not have had to do a whole lot to finish them off, you still can’t take the hat-trick away from him.
2. Veveni Lasaqa (4 Points)
This guy has been unbelievable through two games of the NPC season and returns to my list for the second straight week after his performance for the Steamers against Counties. He started the game off with a bang, opening the scoring with a five-pointer after making the most of Counties releasing him on the ground.
Outside of his try, he played with the same energy and tenacity that make him a natural and dynamic openside flanker. He racked up 15 tackles, missing just one, and carried the ball eight times in dominant fashion. His power and ability to run through or around defenders also saw him lead the game in tacklers beaten, with a total of five.
What a great start to the year for the young loosie, and let’s hope he can keep that form going and continue to dominate at NPC level.
1. Leicester Faingaʻanuku (5 Points)
In his return to New Zealand rugby, Leicester Faingaʻanuku showed he is well above NPC level and ready to be brought back into the All Blacks fold sooner rather than later. Quite honestly, he is an absolute powerhouse, and I still believe he’s the best winger in New Zealand. Saturday’s performance showed exactly why.
He scored two tries, which were great moments in their own right, but it was his sheer dominance that proved devastating for the Turbos’ defence. He carried the ball a game-high 17 times, which is an incredible number for an outside back. On those 17 carries, he beat 13 defenders and genuinely looked like he was toying with the opposition. All of those carries and broken tackles added up to a game-high 121 metres, including a jaw-dropping 81 after contact.
I don’t think there’s much else to say except Razor should give him a call and hand him the All Blacks No. 11 jersey now that he’s back in town.
Leaderboard After Round 2
1 Veveni Lasaqa | Bay of Plenty (8 Points)
2 Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens | Taranaki (5 Points)
3 Leicester Faingaʻanuku | Tasman (5 Points)
4 Xavier Tito-Harris | Auckland (3 Points)
4 Bradley Slater | Taranaki (3 Points)
6 Tom Christie | Canterbury (2 Points)
6 Cooper Flanders | Hawke’s Bay (2 Points)
8 Losi Filipo | Wellington (1 Point)
8 Johnny McNicholl | Canterbury (1 Point)