Yarrows Taranaki Bulls winger Waisake Naholo played his last game for the province after making his debut in 2011 against Wellington. Matt Shaw looks back at his history. 

Waisake Ratunideuba Naholo, was born on 8 May 1991, in Sigatoka, Fiji. 

Waisake has played 44 first class games for Taranaki scoring 19 tries for his province having forged a reputation as a lethal finisher of tries over a 9 year period from 2011 - 2019. The records will show that Waisake has remained loyal to his Spotswood club with all his  appearances for Taranaki having been from that club. 

He orignally came to Taranaki having previously represented Wanganui in 2009 in the Heartland Championship whilst still an 18 year old schoolboy at Wanganui City College. He appeared 11 times for Wanganui that year scoring 6 tries. It is perhaps a little known fact that Waisake played under the name "Waisake Ratunideuba" whilst in Wanganui and was described by the editors of the NZ Rugby Almanack that same year as showing "great promise". 

His talent, speed and nose for the tryline was quickly noticed by Taranaki who contracted him for the 2011 ITM Cup. Waisake made the trip north from Wanganui, debuting for Taranaki on the right wing in the first match of the 2011 ITM Cup Premiership against Wellington. (Taranaki lost that match in New Plymouth, losing 23-5). That same year saw Waisake rewarded with a position in the Hurricanes Development team and in something of a meteoric rise, also make the NZ Under 20s squad appearing in 4 matches. 

His 2012 provincial season for Taranaki was an impressive one, a highlight being his try in Taranaki's 37-22 victory against Bay of Plenty in Mount Maunganui where he scored a scintilating solo try having taken the ball off a lineout on half way - leaving numerous Bay of Plenty defenders in his wake as he weaved his way towards the try-line completely untouched. 

This form and try scoring prowess, saw him rewarded with a Super Rugby contract with the Blues in 2013. 

2015 was probably Waisake Naholo's best year in New Zealand rugby. A move south to the Highlanders franchise saw his rugby flourish with regular gametime and he was the top try scorer in Super Rugby that year scoring 13 tries and being an instrumental player in that franchise securing its maiden Super Rugby title. 

His impressive form saw him rewarded with All Black selection that same year making his debut with Codie Taylor against Argentina in the Rugby Championship match in Christchurch which the All Blacks won 39-18. Whilst injury unfortunately interupted his All Black season that same year, he was unquestionably regarded as the premier winger in Super Rugby in 2015 and a firm crowd favourite. 

A remarkable recovery from injury saw him selected in Steve Hansen's 2015 Rugby World Cup squad ahead of Cory Jane and Israel Dagg. Few will forget his debut try for the All Blacks against Georgia where he carved a beautiful running line through a flumoxed Georgian defence to score under the posts after 75 seconds of play - a try which was was the fastest of the tournament. His 26 tests for the All Blacks has yielded 16 tries. 

Notwithstanding his achievements at Super Rugby and International level, Waisake's 44 first class games for Taranaki should also be applauded and celebrated - particuarly in the current professional age where players of his calibre are sadly, not as frequently seen at provincial level as they were in yesteryears. 

His efforts and try scoring feats in Amber and Black will live long in many Taranaki rugby supporters memories. His last match for Taranaki was the 35-11 loss against Auckland this year in New Plymouth. He leaves Taranaki with many well wishes and gratitude for having given great service to his province. 

Article added: Wednesday 16 October 2019