Sopoaga hits timely form

CHRIS BOYD sat back in his seat and smiled.

Not a lot occurred at the Hutt Recreation Ground last night to raise a smile, following ‘‘a game of three halves’’.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen was his usual taciturn self; Canterbury’s Scott Robertson was as intense as ever. But Boyd? Well, he was content, because he’d seen something he’d been waiting for.

Wellington’s second-string lineup might have been trounced 24-0 by Canterbury and the more ferocious Lions XV pipped 12-7 by the All Blacks, but none of that really mattered.

Of more importance was that first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga imposed himself on the All Blacks and attacked their defensive line with a conviction not seen for some time.

‘‘The happiest thing about today for me is that Lima’s come out of a difficult campaign with the Highlanders . . . come back and played really well for OBU and he’s on top of himself at the moment and that’s a really encouraging sign for us,’’ Boyd said.

‘‘When he’s confident and he’s taking the line on and he’s into his game, he’s probably as good as anyone in New Zealand.’’

Provided Sopoaga can keep himself on the park, and the rest of the squad stay fit, then Wellington ought to win this year’s NPC.

Counties Manukau will be a difficult, abrasive proposition on Thursday, with Boyd freely conceding that the Wellington Lions are going in underdone.

But they’ll have the previously injured Reggie Goodes, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and John Schwalger to pick from in the front row, while lock and captain Jeremy Thrush is being released by the All Blacks and halfback TJ Perenara might be too, said Boyd.

Throw in loose forwards Victor Vito and Brad Shields, who believe themselves to be of All Blacks standard and Wellington have the makings of real contenders.

Utility back Alapati Leiua was the only injury concern after last night’s game, with a ‘‘tweak’’ to his left knee.