1
Watch: Ngani Laumape's blockbusting runs en route to hat trick for Kobe Steelers
By Ned Lester
Ex-All Black Ngani Laumape scored a hat trick in the Kobelco Kobe Steelers' 58-36 victory over Hanazono Kintetsu Liners, producing a one-game highlight reel that most players would only dream of cooking up over a season.
The midfielder's tries themselves were secondary in entertainment value to his bulldozing runs in centre field, the 103kg former Super Rugby star brushed off tackles left and right, freeing his upper body for the offload with ease.
When his raw power wasn't needed, Laumape employed his pace and ultimately crossed the chalk three times in just his second outing for the club.
Before his move to France in 2021, Laumape openly expressed his dissatisfaction with his place in New Zealand's midfield pecking order, claiming to feel overlooked as he continued to put in game-breaking performances.
“Yeah, pretty disappointing,'' Laumape said of his lack of game time at the international level. "I think I offer something in the midfield that no other midfielder can offer in New Zealand. At the end of the day it is a business, they did what they had to do and I have to do what is best for me and my family and my kids. There are no hard feelings, I understand it is what it is.”
Trending on RugbyPass
2
David Campese names his Springbok world player of the year winner
3
Let's be real about these All Blacks
4
Why World Cup winner doesn’t blame All Black for leaving New Zealand
5
Latest Comments
I think the best 15 we have is DMac. Jordan at 14.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
Go to comments