‘Zinzan Brooke-like’ number eight lays down All Blacks marker with a Super Rugby Pacific hat-trick

David Skippers
Hoskins Sotutu hat-trick Blues v Highlanders image 2024.jpg

Hoskins Sotutu scores his third try for the Blues against the Highlanders in Melbourne.

Blues number eight Hoskins Sotutu was his team’s hero as he scored a hat-trick of tries in his side’s 37-29 victory over the Highlanders in their Super Rugby Pacific clash on Friday.

With all the games being played at a centralised venue – AAMI Park in Melbourne – as part of the Super Round, Sotutu gave new All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, who was a spectator in the stands, a timely reminder of his ability with a superb attacking display.

Blistering start

The 25-year-old was in the thick of the action from the outset and after the Highlanders opened the scoring via a Sean Withy try early on, he drew the Auckland-based outfit level when he powered his way over the try-line from close quarters in the seventh minute.

However, his opponents regained the lead via a Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens try before Rhys Patchell also touched down, which meant the Highlanders were holding a 15-8 lead by the 26th minute.

Despite that, the Blues did not panic and finished stronger during the opening half and held a 22-15 lead after Taufa Funaki and Mark Telea crossed for tries, which were both converted by Perofeta.

The Blues were fastest out of the blocks after the interval and it was Sotutu who led the way when he gathered the ball at back of a ruck and barged over to score his second try. Perofeta added the extras before slotting a penalty in the 53d minute which gave his side a 32-15 lead.

The Highlanders needed a response and struck back 10 minutes later via a converted try from Timoci Tavatavanawai but that did not faze the Blues, who replied with Sotutu’s third try in the 68th minute.

This, after he gathered a pass from Sam Nock deep inside the Highlanders’ 22 and powered through two tackles before crashing over for another five-pointer.

With another Super Rugby Pacific win in the bag, the Blues took their foot off the pedal in the game’s latter stages and the Highlanders were rewarded with a consolation try from Ajay Faleafaga just before the end.

Compared to Zinzan

Sotutu was a player tipped to shine before the season by Auckland and All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan, who compared him to the great Zinzan Brooke.

The 25-year-old has great power but he is also tremendously skilful and Kirwan believes that this could be the year in which he nails down an All Blacks spot.

“I love his talent. This is a kid that can do stuff that other players can’t do. Why was he left out in the past? Probably his repeated work rate,” he told The Breakdown in February.

“He needs to get off the ground quicker, a few of those things, but if you can get this kid right, he can really be special.

“He’s got that speed, he can kick, he’s got all those things that Zinzan Brooke had.

“He’s got a lot to prove. If he can come out and have a great season he’s going to put his hand up in front of Razor and say, ‘I’m an option.’

“Ardie’s (Savea) coming back late so I think Hoskins is huge for me, it’s a big year for him.”

READ MORE: Super Rugby Pacific relax concussion protocol after All Blacks star’s criticism

Blues Hoskins Sotutu Zinzan Brooke

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