Second

chance Crusader at the crossroads

By Atama Raganivatu

Suva-bom Waisake Sotutu’s endeav ours to revive his flagging career

will provide the forthcoming Super

12 Rugby Series with one of its most

intriguing aspects.

In October of 1994, Sotutu appeared to have the rugby world at his feet. He had just completed that season’s New Zealand National Provincial Championship in tri umph, being both its leading try scorer and Player of the Year. Furthermore, he was a member of the All Blacks’

Provincial squad for the 1995 World Cup in South Africa, and Australian rugby league club North Sydney were reported to be offering him a contract worth US$lOO,OOO per annum.

The only cloud on Sotutu’s horizon back then was an operation required to rectify a bothersome right shoulder injury.

Sadly, that cloud was the harbinger of much stormy weather. The operation itself proved successful but prevented him from training for three months and when he reported to an All Black preparation camp early in 1995, his fitness had degenerated to such an extent, he found himself out of contention for a trip to South Africa.

Although 1995 did see Sotutu appear in an All Black trial, gain selection for the New Zealand XV and asked to be on stand-by should any All Black suffer injury during their tour of France and Italy late that year, he has yet to recapture the form displayed during the heady days of the previous season as knee ligament problems have dogged him. When 1996 ended, he occupied the reserves bench of his provincial side, Auckland.

Sotutu must often ponder the wisdom of his decision made four years ago to reject the chance to play for Fiji in favour of possible All Black glory.

Sotutu’s declaration made little impact in Fiji at the time - not anywhere near the

same extent as similar choices later announced by Joeli Vidiri and Waisake Masirewa. This was due to him then being almost unknown in his home country (he had spent just two years there when attending primary school).

The son of a United Nations employee, Sotutu moved around the world while a child as his father was transferred from one diplomatic posting to another. He had already lived in Australia, England, Vanuatu and Nauru before settling in New Zealand 17 years ago.

It was at South Auckland’s Wesley College, now famous as the alma mater of Jonah Lomu, that Sotutu’s rugby skills first came to the fore. He represented the New Zealand Secondary Schools XV in 1988 and 1989, featuring in comprehen sive victories over their Australian and Scottish counterparts, and was still at Wesley when making his first class debut for the Counties senior provincial combi nation.

Upon gaining a place at Auckland University in 1990, Sotutu switched provinces and first wore the Auk’s blue and-white striped jersey at first class level 12 months later.

An injury to his left shoulder restricted appearance in 1991, but such was the Fijian’s form a year later that he forced the redoubtable Va’aiga Tuigamala onto the replacements’ bench.

Tuigamala’s recruitment by the Wigan

Rugby League Club in 1993 left Sotutu unopposed as the Auckland senior team’s first choice left winger. However, he has always believed himself to be better equipped for a centre’s duties. He can also claim experience as a second five-eighth

and was on the right wing for much of the

monumental 1994 campaign. 1

Additionally, his efforts, when called upon, through an injury to the regular incumbent, in filling the role of fullback against the British Lions four years ago, won him great acclaim.

Yet, it is not versatility which made him one of the most respected figures in New Zealand domestic rugby but his size, strength and speed. Sadly, little was seen of these assets in 1996 and few were sur prised by Auckland Blues’ preference for Western Samoan flyer Brian Lima when they named their squad to defend the Super 12 title.

There was never any likelihood of Sotutu being absent from the Super 12, though.

The Canterbury Crusaders quickly offered him a contract and, barring unforeseen circumstances, he will be in the Christchurch-based team when they commence their programme on March 7

against Wellington Hurricanes.

Sotutu is reported to have fully recov ered from the latest of several knee oper ations, which he underwent in early November just before his 26th birthday.

The Fijian must realise that he has to be making waves again soon if his dream of international eminence is to be real isied. Sotutu may now be regretting his decision to spurn Fiji and, having played for the New Zealand XV in 1995, he will not be eligible to appear for his native land until next year. Nonetheless, Sotutu has not ruled out the possibility of making himself available for Fiji and, for this rea son, fans ‘back home’ will be watching his progress in 1997 with great interest. ■

Sotutu...must realise that he has to be making waves again soon if his dream of international eminence is to be realised