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Sport Nation
Super Rugby standouts of the week: Rookies shine in opening round
Sport Nation • February 17th, 2025 11:00 am
Photo: Photosport
Week one is in the bag for Super Rugby Pacific and there was no shortage of stars in a pulsating round of action.
On Monday morning, Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy ran the rule over the competition to highlight which players impressed them most.
Kyle Preston
The Wellingtonian halfback made a huge impression in his Super Rugby debut against his hometown Hurricanes, running in a hat-trick of tries in a convincing first-up win for the last season's battlers.
"Really good delivery from the base," said Israel Dagg. "Very fit. His ability to anticipate where the ball's going is superb.
"He passes the ball, runs that great half back line and puts himself in positions to make a difference.
"What a pickup from the Crusaders."
Preston's outing earned him an unlikely spot in Fantasy Super Rugby's Top 10 point-scorers of the week (58).
Caleb Tangitau
The former All Blacks Sevens speedster immediately made his mark for his new franchise during the Highlanders hard-fought defeat to the Waratahs.
The NZ U20 stand-out burst clear down the left flank for the match's opening try, before adding another on the back of a lethal left-foot step in a statement performance.
"He is big, strong, fast and someone to look out for during the season," Dagg added.
Tangitau finished with 124 running metres and four linebreaks to his name, accumulating the third highest fantasy points (83) of any player in week one.
Damian McKenzie
The All Blacks No. 10 was at his mercurial best against the Blues, steering the Chiefs about Eden Park with expertise before putting the nail in the Blues' coffin with a clinically taken try to earn his side a measure of revenge for last season's lopsided final.
"I thought Damien McKenzie in that second half against the Blues was outstanding," said Scotty Stevenson.
McKenzie racked up a total of 76 running metres, making three linebreaks along the way to become the only player from round one to crack the 100-point (104) mark in fantasy.
Sevu Reece
The All Blacks veteran was in dynamic form against the Canes, showcasing his explosive pace by laying on a try assist and scoring one himself, while reeling off a team-high 126 running metres that included a trio of linebreaks.
Reece's efforts earned a staggering 91 fantasy points for his owners - second only to the aforementioned McKenzie.
