Crikey ... how did Star Timu miss out on the Hawke's Bay Sevens team which played at last month's nationals in Queenstown?
Numerous spectators at the 30th annual Tui Hawke's Bay Sevens in Waipukurau on Saturday were asking this question after the 2010 under-20 world champion was an inspirational figure as Hastings Rugby and Sports captured the Ian Baker Memorial Cup for the first time with a 36-14 win against Wests Roosters of Wellington in the A grade men's final.
Timu was leaner and faster than usual for him at this time of the year. While he scored some crucial tries throughout the day it was his defensive work and work off the ball which impressed sevens purists the most.
With the Roosters leading 14-12 at halftime Timu scored immediately after halftime to put his side back in front 19-14 with Luke Makris' conversion, and they dictated terms from then on. In Hastings' 33-10 semi-final win against Havelock North Timu, 22, scored an 80-metre runaway when the villagers were attempting a late comeback in their quest for a fourth consecutive title.
The always diplomatic Timu said afterwards for him it wasn't so much about showing Havelock North and Hawke's Bay coach Murdoch Paewai what he could have had in Queenstown. "For me it was more a case of wanting to do well for Tivaini [injured Hastings and Hawke's Bay player Tivaini Fomai] and many of our club's old timers who travelled down here to support us today," he said.