Night to forget for Fekitoa
IT was not the script most of us would have written.
Malakai Fekitoa and the Forsyth Barr Stadium have had a bit of a love affair together.
Fekitoa made his Super Rugby debut at the stadium in 2014, helping himself to a try against the Blues and launching himself on to the national stage.
The big, bustling centre was a few months later named in his first All Black squad for a test at the covered stadium although he had to wait until the following week to make his official debut in the black jersey.
He was a key part of the Highlanders side which won the title in 2015 and continued to be a valuable member of the team the following two seasons it again made the playoffs.
But he announced late in this year’s Super Rugby season he is off to France to play for Toulon.
The centre though is required to see out the season with his provincial team, Auckland, and has had an up and down season.
He was left on the bench last week but returned to take on Otago at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday.
It would have been an appropriate way for Fekitoa to sign off from the South with an impressive performance at the stadium where he has played so well.
But sport is not a fairytale. Reality gets in the way and the big Tongan had a night to forget.
The 25yearold threw an intercept pass in the opening couple of minutes which led to a try to opposite number Sio Tomkinson.
He then got involved in a sickening head clash with Tomkinson after 15 minutes, with both players the worse for wear.
Fekitoa was prone on the ground for a couple of minutes and then taken to the sideline where he would stay. Tomkinson went off but went back on with his head heavily bandaged.
Fekitoa though was taken to the medical room for assessment and had some damage to his mouth and teeth. He was subsequently taken to Dunedin Hospital for assessment of his teeth but was well enough to fly home yesterday.
Fekitoa was believed to be not wearing a mouthguard which is against the rules agreed to by New Zealand Rugby and the Rugby Players’Association.
Auckland’s next game is against Bay of Plenty next Saturday. It is unclear whether Fekitoa will be available.
One thing is clear though — with Auckland’s struggles and Fekitoa in the wars, the centre will be counting down the days to get on the plane to France.