Lauaki packing his bags for Waikato - at a cost of $30,000

By WYNNE GRAY

Flanker Sione Lauaki, who made such an impact for the Chiefs during the Super 12, reignited that prospect yesterday after transferring to Waikato.

Coincidentally, his provincial shift came on the day he was dropped from the Auckland side to play NPC leaders Taranaki at Eden Park.

The 23-year-old Lauaki was ignored by the Blues this season, but grabbed by the Chiefs in the draft.

His dynamic surges became a significant part of the Chiefs' armoury, as he showed with his final-minute solo try to bury his old Blues' franchise.

The former NZ Colts loose forward continued that hot streak for the Pacific Islanders in tests against the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks on their historic inaugural tour.

His performance, including a try, in the team's 41-26 loss to the All Blacks, forced Graham Henry and his co-selectors to think seriously about including Lauaki in their Tri-Nations squad.

That did not eventuate and for whatever reason, Lauaki has not reproduced that form for Auckland in the NPC.

Waikato, however, were on the prowl and yesterday chief executive Gary Dawson confirmed the deal had been done.

"He transfers to Waikato and is now protected for the Chiefs for the Super 12," Dawson said.

Waikato must pay Auckland $30,000 for Lauaki's transfer, compared to the range of compensation All Blacks require of between $125,000 and $50,000.

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