Buxton Popoali’i moved from Wellington to Otago to re-start his career in 2010. It paid off with his recall to the New Zealand Sevens team last year after a strong showing at the 2011 National Sevens.
He then cemented a starting place on the wing for Otago in the NPC in 2011.
Last weekend he was awarded the player of the tournament at the 2012 National Sevens in Queenstown.
Popoali’i has a wicked sidestep and genuine top-end speed. His trickery, speed and vision led to many opportunities for Otago over the 2 days.
He showed great commitment on defense.
In the second half of the final, Popoali’i chased down both Tom Iosefo and Rocky Khan in separate breaks from the Aucklanders to keep Otago in contention.
He also showed the same commitment on attack.
Denied the try
and sacrificing himself in the process
Just reward
The only issue here is that we will not get to see Buxton Popoali’i play at the 2012 New Zealand Sevens in Wellington.