Bay of Plenty winger, Onisi Ratave, will be a great asset to the Fijian Drua and the Flying Fijians.

These were the words of Flying Fijians head coach Vern Cotter after Ratave scored two tries for BOP in their Ranfurly Shield clash against Hawkes Bay on Sunday.

Despite going down 36-33, the Fijian centre, turned winger, according to TV commentators, has been the most talked player in the region.

Ratave has scored three tries from the two games he has played for BOP.

“His (Ratave) strengths are the power he has in his carry and his physicality- he has the ability to keep speed on and break tackles- several defenders have experienced this- think they have him but he powers through,” Cotter told SUNsports yesterday.

Cotter said Ratave, one of the three local-based players, impressed them during the two Test series against the All Blacks in July.

“He nearly got the nod for the second test match and we are happy he gets game time in the Mitre Cup to improve under coach (Daryl) Gibson. Ratave is a player that scores tries. Those five points are important to any team.”

Nakarawa shines at No.6

Leone Nakarawa manned the blindside flanker’s berth in his debut game for Toulon as they walloped Stade de Francais 38-5 in their Top 14 clash yesterday. Nakarawa was at his usual best in setting up a number of tries.

Blitzboks restore lost glory

Meanwhile, South Africa were crowned the HSBC Canada Sevens champions in Vancouver yesterday.

The Bliztboks thrashed Kenya 38-5 in the Cup final while Great Britain beat Ireland 24-14 in the 3rd/4th playoffs.

“I am really proud of the boys,” said Blitzboks captain Siviwe Soyizwapi.

“After a disappointing Olympic campaign, coming here we really tried to lick our wounds and put up a fight. I am so grateful we could come up with the victory. Hopefully, all Africans were proud today.”

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