{"id":57317,"date":"2025-08-10T15:45:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T15:45:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/57317\/"},"modified":"2025-08-10T15:45:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T15:45:11","slug":"oli-mathis-shows-blistering-speed-in-waikato-npc-defeat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/57317\/","title":{"rendered":"Oli Mathis shows blistering speed in Waikato NPC defeat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You get the feeling that we might be hearing Oli Mathis\u2019 name more often in the 15-man code, as he continues to impress for Waikato<\/a> in the Bunnings NPC<\/a> competition.<\/p>\n

In round one, the All Blacks<\/a> Sevens youngster was exceptional for the Hamilton-based province against Auckland<\/a> at Eden Park, scoring a try on the back of a rolling maul.<\/p>\n

Mathis showcased his versatility by being shifted to the right-wing for Saturday\u2019s clash against Wellington, after recently playing for the New Zealand<\/a> U20\u2019s and Waikato at No.7.<\/p>\n

Mathis went from scoring last week, to providing this week, breaking the line off first phase, before throwing a huge right-to-left long pass to Sevens teammate Tepaea Cook Savage.<\/p>\n

Cook-Savage put the step on the covering defender, charging towards the Wellington<\/a> line before being stopped just short.<\/p>\n

Experienced first-five Aaron Cruden<\/a> then picks up the ball close to the ruck, and smartly dives over the side to score Waikato\u2019s first try of the game after going down 21-0 in the first half.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Waikato managed to get some more reward in the second half after a disappointing first-half, but Wellington managed to run away winners at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton, 35-24.<\/p>\n

Fans on social media were quick to praise Mathis\u2019 ability with ball in hand, with many impressed by his speed.<\/p>\n

Magic, Oli Mathis. A future All Black in the making. And not too far off, either. What a try Waikato!! @BunningsNPC<\/a> #allblacks<\/a> #WAIvWEL<\/a> #BunningsNPC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/ZkTAykiILJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Chalyn.Rugby (@ChalynRugby) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Waikato what a try and Oli Mathis<\/a> wow absolute gas#BunningsNPC<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Isaac (@jokicfanisaac) August 9, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

In a few months people will be talking about Oli Mathis like they do Henry Pollock. Kid is a freak!<\/p>\n

\u2014 Ollie Silverton (@Ollie_Silverton) July 31, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Mathis has now made nine appearances for Waikato in the Bunnings NPC competition, scoring six tries after making his debut against the Bay of Plenty<\/a> in August 2024.<\/p>\n