Perofeta shows good skills for U18 Hurricanes

IMPRESSIVE: Wanganui Collegiate's Stephen Perofeta (passing ball) made his presence felt in the Hurricanes U18s clash with their Crusader Knights counterparts in Blenheim on Monday.PHOTO/FILE

RISING Wanganui rugby talent Stephen Perofeta made a big impression with the powers that be after debuting in the U18 Hurricane side that thumped their Crusader Knight counterparts 61-17 on Monday.

Perofeta gained a start with the Hurricanes through his deeds on the paddock with the Wanganui Collegiate 1st XV as a first-five eighth. However, he was nominated by his school as a possible second-five.

Hurricanes head coach and convenor of selectors Darren Larsen said Perofeta was named as the starting first-five for the Hurricanes/Crusaders clash in Blenheim on Monday.

"We played 35-minute halves and Stephen played first-five until the 46th minute and then he came back for the last 12 minutes as fullback, so he got a fair bit of game time," Larsen said yesterday.

"He is a very talented young player and an impressive young man. He fitted right into the squad from the training camp through to the game. He proved to be a very good team man and that's important."

Larsen said he was particularly impressed by Perofeta's fitness, acceleration and handling skills.

"Stephen handled the step up in pace these games are often played at. He was one of the fittest players in the squad. While he was nominated as a second-five we played him at first and then at fullback. There are some that think his future may lie at fullback."

Perofeta is now in-line for selection to the New Zealand secondary schools team. Larsen said squad members would now be watched over the coming months before the Hurricanes make their nominations for the New Zealand secondary schools.

"Stephen Perofeta stands a very good show," Larsen said.