Folau Fakatava's 'greater purpose' three years on from last All Blacks Test

Folau Fakatava has his groove back. The sprightly and dynamic halfback scored a try just three minutes after he came on the field in the All Blacks XV’s 31-12 win over England A in Bath.

Fakatava’s strike occurred at a crucial 53rd-minute juncture when the visitors were narrowly leading 12-7.

“It was good. The forwards were dominant, which allowed me to do my job. We like to play with speed, so when we get quick ball, there are opportunities,” Fakatava told RugbyPass.

Fakatava hasn’t worn the All Blacks jersey since he played as a substitute in two losing Tests against Ireland in 2022. In that series, which marked the All Blacks’ first home series defeat since 1994, Fakatava, like Peter ‘Gus’ Sowakula, became an easy scapegoat—a blow that took some time to recover from. How has Hawke’s Bay spark plug improved as a player since then?

“Just working hard throughout the week. I’m always confident in my abilities, but I’m better at doing my homework on the opposing team now,” Fakatava responded.

“I’m also a father now, which has given me greater purpose. My son Mason is very special to me.”

In Super Rugby Pacific 2025, the Highlanders won only three games, suffering seven defeats by a converted try or less. Fakatava contributed to early-season victories against the Blues (29-21) and the Fijian Drua (43-20) but missed rounds four to eight due to a hamstring injury as the team struggled. Despite the rapid rise of prodigy Dylan Pledger, Fakatava has re-signed with the Highlanders until 2027.

“We have an exciting, hard-working group here, well-led by Jamie Joseph. I believe we can achieve great things if we stay focused on improving,” he said.

Joseph added, “He is an X-factor player and brings a lot of spark to our attack structure. He’s just getting better with experience, and at only 25, he has much more to offer both the Highlanders and New Zealand rugby.”

Fakatava has been a stable in the success of Hawke’s Bay for a decade. From an almost unbeatable Hastings Boys’ High School First XV, which won 38 out of 40 matches between 2016 and 2017 with an average score of 42-7, he has helped the Magpies achieve a record of 51 wins and 23 losses in the NPC since winning a championship title in 2020.

Additionally, Hawke’s Bay has had two tenures and 18 successful defences of the Ranfurly Shield, more than any other union. Fakatava has scored 14 tries thanks to his explosive and unpredictable running.

However, the current trend for halfbacks, excluding Antoine Dupont (42 wins in 59 Tests) and Cam Roigard (14 wins in 16 Tests), seems to be kicking the rubber off the ball, which doesn’t necessarily suit Fakatava.

“Kicking is a vital part of the game, so you have to work on it. When you’re under the pump, you need to be able to get rid of it. At the same time, a good contestable creates opportunities,” Fakatava stated.

Fakatava will be hoping for one more chance to impress for the All Blacks XV against Uruguay at Stade Raoul-Barrière in Béziers, France. Uruguay defeated Portugal 26-8 last Saturday. Portugal, which famously thwarted Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, was ahead by five points while Uruguay was down to 14 men and without their captain, Manuel Leindeka, due to a head injury.

However, Los Teros showed great character, rallying back with replacement prop Francio Súarez scoring a 60-meter solo try. He breached the initial Os Lobos defensive line and fended off tackles from Nuno Sousa Guedes and Samuel Marques – an effort reminiscent of Richard Bands’ for the Springboks against the All Blacks in Dunedin in 2003.

Uruguay has qualified for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, their fourth consecutive appearance at the tournament.

The All Blacks XV have won six games in a row, including 2023 victories over the Japan XV (38-6) and Japan (41-27) in which Fakatava took part.