Stuff Sports
6 March, 2021, 12:08 pm
Jona Nareki completing his hat-trick of tries as the Highlanders stunned the Chiefs in Hamilton.
BRUCE LIM/PHOTOSPORT
Highlanders coach Tony Brown said Jona Nareki’s sparkling performance against the Chiefs was just another day at the office for the dazzling Fijian winger.
Brown was being modest because Nareki’s staggering numbers on Friday night tell a different a story.
The Highlanders stormed back with 26 unanswered points, after the Chiefs flew out of the blocks, and won 39-23 at FMG Stadium Waikato for their first victory in the second edition of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
Nareki’s brilliant hat-trick of tries either side of half-time was the catalyst for his side’s third successive win over the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava has become one of the most sought-after players in New Zealand rugby.
The Hurricanes have expressed an interest in signing off-contract Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava, sparking a potential tug of war between the Super Rugby Aotearoa clubs. Fakatava became the most sought-after player in New Zealand rugby this week after All Black Aaron Smith signed a two-year contract extension with the Highlanders, blocking the young Tongan’s chances of playing meaningful minutes down south.
The Hurricanes started the Super Rugby Aotearoa season without their first and second choice halfbacks after TJ Perenara exercised a clause in his deal with NZ Rugby to sign with Japanese Top League club NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes and Jamie Booth suffered a long-term leg injury during the Mitre 10 Cup.
Super Rugby Aotearoa: The staggering stats behind Jona Nareki s heroics for Highlanders stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.