Brilliant Sopoaga back to his best against Bulls

Anyone still unsure if All Black Lima Sopoaga will be missed when he leaves for England at the end of the year should find themselves a television set and watch the Highlanders’ latest match.

The 27-year-old first-five, who leaves New Zealand to take up a lucrative twoyear contract with English club Wasps later this year, was instrumental in his team’s gritty 29-28 win against the Bulls in Pretoria yesterday morning.

And, as good as his match-winning penalty goal from 40 metres was, after referee Glen Jackson ruled the Bulls were offside, don’t just fast forward to the clutch kick after the hooter at Loftus Versfeld.

Because a year after Sopoaga never really hit his straps in an injury-riddled season, the pivot is showing what constant game-time can do.

‘‘Lima is an outstanding player and I think you saw his class today,’’ Highlanders assistant coach Glenn Delaney said after the team’s third win on the bounce.

‘‘He’s an international class player and we’re really fortunate that he’s with us. You saw tonight what he brings with his composure, game control and his goalkicking.’’

The Highlanders were outscored four tries to two at altitude, but Sopoaga’s perfect night with the boot ensured his side tipped over the team former All Blacks coach John Mitchell now oversees.

Sopoaga drilled two conversions and five penalties, including one from just inside halfway in the thin Pretoria air, as the Highlanders went against the Super Rugby grain and committed to taking shots at goal.

Starved of ball yet again, Sopoaga didn’t have a ton of opportunities with ball in hand, but he did free up Fletcher Smith to set up the team’s first try, and his tactical and line kicking were right on point.