3. Lima Sopaga (New Zealand, 16 Caps)
Considered amongst one of the most unluckiest players to miss out on a Rugby World Cup, Lima Sopoaga finally got his maiden run out in the 2023 competition. The halfback replaced Leali’ifano for a 25 minute run out against Chile, and rightfully earned his long awaited first World Cup cap.
The fly-half missed out by the narrowest of margins for a spot in the All Blacks squad, for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as he had worked his way into Steve Hansen’s side throughout the preluding Rugby Championship. Sopoaga made his New Zealand debut in that competition, as he started the 27-20 victory over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
However, the All Blacks selectors preferred the halfback trio of certifiable legend Dan Carter, versatile playmaker Colin Slade, and break-through superstar Beauden Barrett for the tournament in England. Following Carter’s retirement as the All Blacks won the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Sopoaga had an extended run in the All Blacks fold.
Starring performances in the Rugby Championship, Autumn Internationals and Summer Series, saw Sopoaga accrue his additional caps for a two year run with the All Blacks. However, Sopoaga would depart the Highlanders after agreeing a move to Wasps, which hindered his selection hopes outside of New Zealand. Sopoaga’s last All Blacks cap was against Wales in the 2017 Autumn Internationals.
4. Steven Luatua (New Zealand, 15 Caps)
Like Lima Sopoaga’s tenure with Wasps, England fans of the Gallagher Premiership will be more than familiar with hard-hitting back-rower Steven Luatua. A mainstay in Pat Lam’s Bristol Bears side, Luatua has been a revered opponent across the English top flight since arriving at Ashton Gate in 2018. The 32-year-old’s future has since been confirmed to stay in Bristol, as Luatua re-signed with the Bears at the end of March.
However, before his time in the English West Country, Luatua was tearing up the scene down in New Zealand. A product of the Auckland provincial side, Luatua’s talents were quickly identified, as he progressed into the Blues’ Super Rugby set-up. Luatua racked up 75 caps across five Super Rugby seasons, whilst progressing through the New Zealand U20s, and into the All Blacks senior squad. Luatua made his All Blacks debut against France, in a 24-9 victory in the Summer of 2013.
The back-rower then went on to play his first full 80 minutes for the All Blacks, as they retained the Bledisloe Cup in a 47-29 win over the Wallabies. Injuries hindered Luatua’s New Zealand test career, yet he marked his final match in the black jersey with a try against Italy, in the 2016 Autumn Series. Luatua’s move to Bristol ended his intentions with the All Blacks, with his Samoa test debut coming some seven years later. Luatau ran out for his new side in the latest Pacific Nations Cup, as he started on the blindside flank in a defeat to Fiji.
The Bristol stalwart has since gone on to make seven caps for Samoa, and presented his versatility by starting at number eight and lock so far in the Rugby World Cup. Luatua could line up against his Bristol teammates Ellis Genge, Kyle Sincker and Max Malins this Saturday, with the perfect end to his Rugby World Cup journey being an upset victory over England.
New Zealand U20s Caps
Chris Vui – (Lock – Bristol Bears)
Sam Slade (Lock/Flanker – Moana Pasifika)
Jordan Taufua (Back Row – Lyon)
Jonathan Taumateine (Scrum Half – Moana Pasifika)
Ere Enari (Scrum Half – Moana Pasifika)
Danny Toala (Fullback – Moana Pasifika)
New Zealand Sevens Caps
Ben Lam (Winger – Montpellier)
Australia U20s Caps
Seilala Lam (Hooker – Perpignan)
Sama Malolo (Hooker – San Diego Legion)
Paul Alo-Emile (Prop – Stade Francais)
Duncan Paia’aua (Centre/Fullback – Toulon)
Ulupano Junior ‘UJ’ Seuteni (Centre – La Rochelle)