TRIPLE THREAT

It felt, in those first weeks of Super Rugby this year, like it may have just been a lucky start. The weather was good, the tracks were fast, the ball dry and Hoskins Sotutu was making plenty happen for the Blues.

The rugby was furious and frantic and so it suited his natural athleticism and desire to play wide. He looked good. A natural ball player and decision maker but that only heightened the suspicion that he would disappear as the season trudged towards winter and the rugby became grittier and more physical.

But the longer the season has gone on, the more impressive Sotutu has become. There’s substance to the 21-year-old. He does prefer to play a wider style of game but he’s shown that’s not all he’s got.

The Blues have had to dig out the victories at times this year and Sotutu has been at the heart of the fight. He’s been present all year: willing to tackle on