1
Watch: Lions fullback Ruben Love hits magic line for try against Otago
By Sam Smith
Young Wellington Lions fullback Ruben Love was on fire in the first half against Otago in the latest round of the NPC, breaking open the defence with succinct line running at Sky Stadium.
Love burst into the game in the 11th minute from a lineout strike play, he took a short ball from centre Billy Proctor and exploded through the Otago defence from just outside the 22.
With only halfback James Arscott to beat, Love went around the outside to score his try comfortably in the left hand corner.
His precise line running was on show again just minutes later as the Wellington backs pressed Otago's try line.
Playing with extra depth, the Lions' fullback hit a beautiful ball from wing Pepesana Patafilo and almost scored his second after weaving through three defenders.
He placed the ball back into the field of play and halfback TJ Perenara dived over from close range to put the Lions up 19-0.
Another try to prop Xavier Numia put the home side up 26-14 at the break which proved too much to overcome for the Southerners.
Two penalty goals to first five Aidan Morgan continued to build the Lions lead before a late comeback threatened to steal the game.
Wellington held on for a 32-26 win, lifting them to third in the conference with five wins and two losses, just one competition behind leaders Waikato.
Love's explosive running has been a highlight for the Lions this season, the 21-year-old has taken his game to a new level since debuting for the Hurricanes two years ago in Super Rugby Aotearoa and recently showed his potential for the Maori All Blacks against Ireland.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
I think this debate is avoiding the elephant in the room. Money. According to the URC chief executive Martin Anayi, the inclusion of SA teams has doubled the income of the URC. There is no doubt that the SA teams benefit from the URC but so do the other countries' teams. Perhaps it doesn't affect a club like Leinster but the less well off clubs benefit hugely from South African games' TV income. I don't think SA continued inclusion in the URC is a slam dunk. They don't hold all the cards by a long way - but they do have an ace in the hole. The Ace of Diamonds.
Go to commentsDon't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to comments