Nel leads the way in club rugby
Christchurch Metro’s Trophy competition reaches the semi-final stage on Saturday. Here’s a look at some of the key players, who have led the way in the MVP standings this season.
Dylan Nel, Sumner loose forward
Sumner didn’t make the semifinals, but not through a lack of trying from South African-born Dylan Nel.
The competition’s leading tryscorer, Nel has been a runaway leader in the MVP competition, chalking up the biggest margin in the award’s history.
He has been the club’s top try scorer since he started three seasons ago. One thing that sets him apart is his impressive work ethic.
‘‘Dylan trains at the same intensity that he plays at. He is the first guy to get to training and last to leave. The drive and intensity with which he approaches rugby sets him apart and quite frankly makes him a coach’s dream,’’ Sumner coach Martin Field said.
Most coaches may not necessarily want to be challenged, however Field relished having a player like Nel in the squad.
‘‘When you give Nel ideas or feedback in a coaching environment, he has a natural curiosity and drive to better himself and he wants to know ‘‘why’’? ’’
Louie Devery, Linwood midfielder
Devery (23), a product of Mt Albert Grammar School in Auckland, came across from Sumner last season and has been in inspirational form. Devery was sidelined for three weeks, but remains Linwood’s joint leading try-scorer. He is a tenacious defender and an aggressive runner who prefers a direct line of attack and makes punishing tackles.
Despite Linwood’s lack of success this season, Devery has been a reliable performer for the club.
Brad Hemopo, University No 8
It’s a scary combination when you put a rugby brain into someone who’s 1.92m tall and just under 120kg. That’s Brad Hemopo, a powerhouse, who is a damaging ball carrier and a prodigious points machine. His versatility makes him such an asset to the team. ‘‘He can turn his hand to almost any position on the field and he has an ability to see the big picture,’’ University assistant coach Sean Lees said.
‘‘Brad has a great rugby IQ and an incredible work ethic on the field,’’ Lees said. At 22 and a Te Reo teacher at Rangi Ruru, Hemopo shows all the potential to be able to play at a higher level.
‘‘Brad is simply waiting for an opportunity to prove his worth in that environment. He most certainly has what it takes to be playing at a higher level.’’
Ray Nu’u, Sydenham secondfive
Nu’u, 19, took his opportunity last year when he was asked to step up due to injuries in the team.
He was an outstanding schoolboy player for the St Andrew’s College 1st XV, playing in the squad for four of his five years at school.
He is in the Crusaders Knights squad, Canterbury NPC training group and was also a member of the New Zealand secondary school squad in 2015.
Nu’u is a pacy player, who can step off both feet at speed, which enables him to glide by tacklers and has given Sydenham a real attacking force in their midfield.