Taranaki Bulls Fijian winger Jacob Kneepkens-Ratumaitavuki put in another man-of-the-match performance last night to help his side beat Manawatu 33-31 in round 8 of the Bunnings NPC competition.
The 23-year-old started on the wing and scored a try for his side in the 69th minute that gave them the winner.
Ratumaitavuki ran a total of 101 metres in 19 carries with 1 linebreak and beaten 10 defenders.
He also assisted in 1 try scored.
Tranaki Bulls also had the services of Kiniviliame Naholo and Leone Nawai who came off the bench in the second half.
Meanwhile, Fiji Water Flying Fijians flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula started at no.10 for Manawatu and scored six points off his boots.
In other matches of the NPC competition round 8, Counties Manukau thrashed Wellington 51-12, Bay of Plenty demolished Northland 53-13, Hawke’s Bay edged Auckland 36-35, Otago defeated Tasman 47-31, Southland 38-14 and North Harbour thrashed Canterbury 65-19.
Despite their loss to Counties Manukau, Wellington still sits at the top of the table with 35 points and is tied with second-placed Taranaki.
Tasman is tied with Bay of Plenty with 33 points and is sitting at 3rd and 4th respectively.
