Something of a schoolboy star, Etene Nanai-Seturo has gradually developed into a very good professional and brings lightning feet and finishing power to the Chiefs, writes Campbell Burnes.
Twelve months on from the devastation wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle, Aiden McLaughlin checks in with rugby clubs and unions from Napier to Ruatoria to see how they have bounced back and what they did to keep the doors open.
Campbell Burnes attempts to unravel the issue of abuse of match officials, how bad it is in New Zealand, and what support systems are in place for those affected.
The demanding halfback role is now a job-sharing position, certainly at Super Rugby and, as we discover, the Highlanders have a clear succession plan in place.
Rugby News tries to get to the essence of why this French team under Fabien Galthie, has become so good and is firming as early favourite for the 2023 Rugby World Cup on its home soil.
Campbell Burnes finds a two-time Rugby World Cup winner following her passion of working with at-risk youth, and not yet hanging up the boots for good.
Campbell Burnes analyses the Black Ferns’ northern tour, and concludes that a huge amount of work lies ahead for them to fire when it counts next October and November.
ichie Mo’unga is one of the best No 10s on the planet, is respected and admired but, as Campbell Burnes writes, not universally, and that is not entirely his fault (pages 10-14).
Phil Gifford has his own take on the legacy of the 1971 Lions, who left these shores 50 years as just the third touring team to win a Test series here over the All Blacks (pages 28-31).
Campbell Burnes sets the scene for the reprise of one of rugby’s great rivalries, which must now take place in the unlikely setting of the eastern seaboard of Australia (pages 10-14).
Campbell Burnes catches up with Hugh Renton after a breakout Highlanders season and ahead of what he hopes will be a second successful campaign with the Tasman Mako.