'He's an incredible player': Vern Cotter amazed by outrageous flick pass

Not everything has gone to plan this season for Super Rugby Pacific 2024’s Most Valuable Player Hoskins Sotutu, missing some games early on through injury and suspension.

The 26-year-old Blues loose forward was named the Blues player of the match in Christchurch, where he scored his third try of the season.

Sotutu’s second half try came from being in and around the ruck close to the line, before he quickly moved to the left where there was clear space in the Crusaders defensive line. Finlay Christie then fired a pass to Sotutu, who got his body position low and powered his way over the line.

Despite the close 25-22 loss against the Crusaders on Friday night, Sotutu produced a second-half highlight play seen all around the world.

Sotutu picked the ball up from the base of the ruck five meters away from the line and whipped a behind-the-back pass to his left, landing on the ground and falling into the path of Blues midfielder AJ Lam, who only had to beat one Crusaders defender before putting the ball down.

Blues head coach Vern Cotter was amazed with the piece of skill in the second half by his star loose forward, praising Sotutu’s skill set.

“He’s got an amazing skill set, he’s just an incredible rugby player,” Cotter said to media post-match after their narrow defeat in Christchurch.

“I mean, it wasn’t just that pass, his collisions were good on attack and defence tonight. He’s a great player, I think all of the forwards rolled their sleeves up and had a fair crack at each other.”

Cotter was pleased with the impact of Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan on the night, in his first game for the Blues this season, after recovering from an injury.

“Yeah very good, it’s good to have him back in there like he’s got a big left foot, and I can see him just finding his rhythm out there once again and he’s safe under a high ball.

“It’s nice having a big body there, he broke a couple of tackles and got us going forward at key moments.”

Team Form

Last 5 Games

38 - 31

35 - 20

31 - 26

31 - 26

69 - 26

19 - 45

36 - 33

47 - 40

42 - 19

40 - 15

2

Wins

4

1

Streak

3

28

Tries Scored

28

41

Points Difference

38

5/5

First Try

2/5

4/5

First Points

2/5

2/5

Race To 10 Points

3/5

Decision making around going for goal or the lineout has been talked about throughout the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season, something that Cotter feels like should be up to the players, on how they are feeling in the moment.

“But I don’t mind not taking penalties if they back themselves. I mean, you don’t want to have doubt in this game.

“You want to go to certainties, and that’s building confidence. I feel that it’s coming to our game and I don’t want to take away initiative from the players.”