Dad’s the word for Highlanders halfback
Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava has extra motivation as he tries to play his way back into the All Blacks: his seven-monthold son.
Fakatava, 24, threw himself into daddy duties during the Highlanders’ bye week, as the southerners stewed on a sub-par performance against the rampant Hurricanes in Dunedin in round six.
However, the long-term injury suffered by Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard during that game has opened up a spot in the All Blacks, with two-test Fakatava one of the leading contenders.
Fakatava said this week, “it’s been my ultimate goal to be in the All Blacks since the start of the season”, and the extra responsibility of being a father wasn’t lost on the Tongan-born No 9.
“It’s given me a real purpose of what I need to do to provide,” Fakatava said.
“Nothing changes for me [personally]. I’ve always loved rugby and love what I’m doing.
“Without rugby I’m nothing and no one. I’m just working hard, week in, week out, to stay healthy and provide for my family.”
Fakatava has had an up-and-down few years, with an ACL injury limiting his opportunities in an All Blacks jersey.
In late 2022, he opted for non-surgical rehabilitation after a recurrence of the injury, and said that he had progressed to the stage where the joint wasn’t even on his mind on the paddock.
“The knee is great. It’s stable, and I don’t even think about it, I just play rugby.
“I do my rehab week in, week out to keep it strong and when it comes to game time I don’t really think about it.”
Fakatava will link with new No 10 Ajay Faleafaga against the Rebels, with the latter’s form ousting both Rhys Patchell and Cameron Millar. Sam Gilbert will provide No 10 cover against the Rebels.
Halfback Nathan Hastie misses out as he recovers from a freak accident at home, when he tripped into a pane of glass on his front door, resulting in a serious gash on his neck that required surgery.
The Highlanders have also named two potential debutants on the bench, with big Southlander Will Stodart, 20, providing loose forward cover while Wellington’s Hugo Plummer, 23, backs up the locks.
Highlanders head coach Clarke Dermody said Plummer, who joined the Highlanders as injury cover at the start of the year, could “potentially” be playing for a full-time contract from 2025.
“Hugo has really impressed us around his lineout ability as a young player,” Dermody said.
“He’s come and really earned his stripes through our Bravehearts programme and running the boys against the starters [at training].
“We’ve got spots open in that [locking] area [from 2025]. Obviously he’s a young up-and-comer, but he’s heading in the right direction at the moment.”