1 PETER LAKAI
20, Hurricanes and New Zealand U20 No 8
As the NPC competition concluded in December, Wellington No 8 Peter Lakai was breathlessly being compared to All Blacks superstar Ardie Savea.
You can understand why. He made more carries than anyone else, was near the top of the tree for tackles made and looked a real leader for his side, despite his tender years. He stepped into Super Rugby for the first time with plenty of expectation on him.
When he joined up with the big boys, Hurricanes boss Jason Holland said: “He’s got maturity beyond his years and he’s just slotted in seamlessly. It’s just up to him now.
“It feels like he belongs here already. He’s still a young kid and there’s still a bit to learn, but he’s competed well with the boys and won the race.”
The No 8 has equipped himself well and learnt from the quality around him. Guys like – yep – Savea.
RW VERDICT
The positive noises being blurted about the back-rower are near constant. A few months ago, former All Black Stephen Donald said “from what you hear, he is going to be the real deal”. And the trust shown in him backs that up. Picked as a co-captain for New Zealand U20, he has been marked for something special.
DAVIT NINIASHVILI
20, Lyon and Georgia full-back
This Georgian livewire should need few. Yet the man known as ‘Nini’ still catches opponents out.
