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Surely it is time for try-scoring sensation Salesi Rayasi to step from part-time player to full-time starter at the Super Rugby level.
His dazzling form in the Miter 10 Cup has certainly put his Hurricanes franchise on notice. The 24-year-old winger produced another standout display for Auckland in their vital 31-10 victory over Waikato in Saturday night’s Premier League clash at Eden Park as his side stormed to the top of the standings with their sixth victory of the bell. .
Rayasi scored a brilliant try hat-trick at Eden Park to top the competition’s try-scorers table, an indication as good as any of the way this youngster is. He’s big, athletic, excellent in the air. He runs like the wind, has a clever left boot and is a spiker.
RICKY WILSON
Salesi Rayasi continued his excellent form for Auckland in Saturday night’s clash against Waikato.
Rayasi participated in all four attempts scored by the Aucklanders, as they wrapped up an excellent night’s work with an 80-minute bonus point attempt off young No. 8 Sione Tuipulotu, who took them one point ahead of Tasman in top of the table.
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He scored the first three, courtesy of fabulous creative play from his teammates, and placed the last with a deft cross kick to wing AJ Lam, who neatly unloaded his No. 8 for the crucial extra point.
The Wellingtonian, who have had limited opportunities with the Hurricanes thus far, were excellent at just about everything they did for the Auks. His completion, of course, was top-notch, as he loaded clear at the top of the scoring charts with nine on the season. But his big boot came in handy multiple times and he was ready whenever he was called to action.
It was a strong all-round display of Alama Ieremia’s men who dominated up front, with their scrum and lineout on the rise, and their top-notch finish. Tuipulotu had a strong game in his starting debut, while playmaker Harry Plummer capped off an outstanding night by nailing all five of his shots on goal.
Waikato fought bravely, and was in the fight until the final 10 minutes when Auckland took the lead with Rayasi’s third score and then Tuipulotu’s finishing touch. They remain in the thick of the semi-final hunt at 6-2 with 27 points.
Rayasi’s first-half double, both through perfectly weighted kicks from his midfielders, was enough to give his team a 14-7 lead over the competition leaders at halftime.
Waikato-fit running back Xavier Roe opened the scoring in just the 10th minute when he came in after his opponent Jonathan Ruru bought a show-and-go at the ruck hook, line and sinker and the visiting No. 9 was able to walk. between the posts.
But the home team made their way back to the competition and was able to capitalize, around the first quarter mark, on a costly misfire by the visitors at lineout time.
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
Waikato running back Xavier Roe is congratulated after opening the scoring for his team at Eden Park.
A great touch-finder from Zarn Sullivan, then a poor shot over the top of Waikato hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, threw additional possession for the Auks, which became Rayasi’s first attempt via a precise kick from TJ Faiane and a costly slip by Beaudein Waaka.
Rayasi was in second place, and the lead 14-7, just five minutes later, when Auckland worked a skillful game on a 30m lineout. Faiane and Plummer took the first step forward, Scott Scrafton set up a quick second ruck and from there, Tumua Manu’s excellent left foot kick sent the hometown left wing into a run of their own against the running defense.
The game remained tight until the 73rd minute, when replacement full-back Simon Hickey found Lam on the corner kick and the wing’s pass put Rayasi on his hat-trick. The icing was applied just in time as Rayasi’s cross kick turned to gold, and Lam’s selfless volley completed a satisfying night of work for the men of Ieremia.
The Hurricanes seem to have a bit to think about as they plan for Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2021.
Auckland 31 (Salesi Rayasi 3, Sione Tuipulotu tries; Harry Plummer pen, 4 cons), Waikato 10 (Xavier Roe test; Fletcher Smith scam; Rivez Reihana pen). Height: 14-7.
MVP Points: Salesi Rayasi 3, Harry Plummer 2, Sione Tuipulotu 1.
