Mitre 10 Cup Championship Final Top Performers

Waikato return to the Mitre 10 Cup Premiership next year after they beat Otago 36-13 in the Mitre 10 Cup Championship final.

Jono Gibbes side was on top for most of the game and got some revenge after Otago took the Ranfurly Shield off them in round 9.

Here are our Top Performers from the final:

Mitchell Jacobson -Waikato

Another Jacobson performing brilliantly in a Waikato jersey. Jacobson put in a stellar shift for his side in this game hitting the rucks hard and the tacklers harder.

His lineout work was also on point and forced Otago into giving penalties away on multiple occasions.

Sevu Reece - Waikato

Another fantastic performance by the Waikato speedster as he ran in two tries as his side secured promotion to the Premiership.

Reece has a keen eye for the try line and showed off his exceptional turn of pace to leave defenders in his wake.

He even put in a massive hit on Otago winger Michael Collins.

Fletcher Smith - Waikato

Tipped to Lima Sopoaga's replacement with the Highlanders next season, Smith could make things difficult for the commentators next year if he performs like this - with Aaron and Ben Smith both in the squad.

Smith controlled the Waikato attack superbly showing a wide range of skip passes and well-timed inside balls. He also kicked well from the tee and has taken an early lead in the race for the Highlanders no.10 jersey as he faced another candidate in Josh Ioane today.

Quinn Tupaea - Waikato

A fitting end to a simply sublime season for the young centre who will surely be named in a Super Rugby squad next week.

Tupaea ripped through the Otago defence running superb lines and with great speed.

He set Reece up for his first try before stepping his way over for one of his own moments later.

Liam Coltman - Otago

It's easy to see why Coltman has been involved with the All Blacks recently. The Highlanders front rower was aggressive and accurate in everything he did in the final.

He almost shattered Jack Stratton's ribs with a thunderous cleanout. He made good metres with the ball in hand and was accurate at the set pieces. 

A performance the All Black staff will certainly be pleased with.