Sopoaga had a forgettable game against the Cheetahs at Invercargill and was subbed off before halftime.
He played a key role for the Highlanders Development team when it drew 37-37 with Fiji Warriors at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Sopoaga scored 27 of his team's points with accurate goal-kicking. He used his speed to break through the defence and score one of his side's three tries.
His temperament was tested at the end when he converted Charlie O'Connell's late try with the clock ticking 80 minutes to draw the game.
Sopoaga was the steady-as-you-go first five-eighth in the first spell. His tactical kicking was accurate.
In the second spell, he took on the line and broke the defence when he was moved to the midfield in the last quarter.
Fullback Trent Renata was tested by the bullocking and fast-running Fijians. He displayed counterattacking ability and was a good link when he joined the line.
Centre Neil Brew was steady as a rock when he last played for the Highlanders seven years ago.
He displayed the same characteristics in the midfield last night. However, he is short of a gallop and was subbed off early in the second spell.
Otago representatives who helped their reputations were No 8 Paul Grant with his work in the lineout and his driving play, Jayden Spence with his attacking flair in the three-quarters, and gutsy wing Kieran Moffat with his determined tackling when the powerful Fijians tried to run over him.
Fijians to stamp their mark were first five-eighth Ratunaisa Vatuiranuku who kicked seven goals, rampaging second five-eighth Nemani Nadolo who scored two tries, and rampaging fullback Aisea Natoga.
Fiji Warriors 37 (Apisai Domolailai, Aisea Natoga, Nemani Nadolo 2 tries; Ratunaisa Vatuiranuku 4 con, 3 pen), Highlanders Development 37 (Jayden Spence, Charlie O'Connell, Lima Sopoaga tries; Sopoaga 2 con, 6 pen). Halftime: Highlanders 17-7.
