Rugby: Texans fullback JJ Taulagi is living his dream

Napier Technical fullback JJ Taulagi on the job as a teacher aide at Te Awa School. Photo / Warren Buckland

The moment the final whistle blew after Napier Technical's Nash Cup quarter-final against MAC in Hawke's Bay's premier club rugby competition on Saturday this week's MVP was decided.

No deliberation was required. With 35 points, five tries and five conversions, Altherm Window Systems Napier Technical fullback JJ Taulagi was never going to be beaten.

The fact he did it in 70 minutes of action and two days after playing the first 65 minutes of the Hurricanes Development team's 36-27 win against Japan A in Levin added to the significance of the feat. In typical Taulagi fashion the Te Awa School teacher aide was quick to distribute the kudos.

"I've never got that many points in a club game before and it was only because all of the boys put in a good effort," Taulagi said.

The former Queensland Reds and Japan Sunwolves Super Rugby player left the field with 10 minutes remaining so he could start rehab work on a swollen knee to enable him to be fit for the Magpies' first pre-season game against Tasman in Wellington today.

"I did my job but I got shut down in Levin. I played against most of the boys in the Japan side when I was playing for the Sunwolves. They knew I would be a threat so I did my roles ... executed the little things to help the team."

Taulagi, 24, pointed out MAC put up a bigger fight than the Texans' 55-5 victory at Whitmore Park suggested.

"They put in some big hits. Their mistakes and lack of discipline helped us out but it wasn't that easy."

A product of St Kentigern College in Auckland where he played under Magpies assistant coach Josh Syms, Taulagi has been busy applying the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) remedy to his knee since Saturday's match.

"I want to be right for my 40 minutes in Wellington. By the time the weekend comes I will have played games on last Thursday, last Saturday, Wednesday and this Saturday. When I was a kid I used to dream about playing rugby all the time so I can't complain," Taulagi said.

During his other job at Te Awa School he sees youngsters having the same dreams as he did at the same age.

"The kids are amazing and keep me grounded. They are the future and I want to try to help them in areas I can help."

When his days as a professional rugby player end Taulagi wants to tackle a career as a youth worker and he agreed his teacher aide work will assist him with that quest.

"I know how to speak to youths and I know how to work with kids."

After today's match his rugby focus will turn to the Texans' semifinal against unbeaten Auto Super Shoppe Hastings Rugby and Sports at Elwood Park on Saturday. Hastings beat Tech 36-17 in round one.

"Hastings have been putting on a show and have some good boys playing for them. We have to keep playing well and do what we do week in and week out. Whichever team plays the best will get the win ... hopefully it's us."

With 15 tries and another 50 points from the boot for a haul of 125 points in six games Taulagi has been putting on a show of his own. Magpies fans will be hoping he keeps producing similar performances until Labour Weekend at least.

Best & fairest
Napier Technical v MAC: 3, JJ Taulagi (Tech); 2, Perrin Manuel (Tech); 1, Ted Walters (Tech).
Taradale v Havelock North: 3, Nathan Ramsay (Taradale); 2, Kalin Paewai (Havelock); 1, Jacob Stephenson (Havelock).
Hastings v Pirate: 3, Timo Vaiusu (Hastings); 2, Danny Toala (Hastings); 1, Fale Matamata (Hastings).
Leaderboard: 8 points: Aleki Vuki (Hastings). 6: Chris Johnston, Hannon Brighouse (both NOBM), Johnny Ika (MAC). 5: JJ Taulagi (Tech), Sam Weber (NOBM), Danny Toala (Hastings). 4: William McGoon, Jacob Stephenson (both Havelock North), Everard Reid, Lincoln McClutchie (both Tamatea).