The Forgotten All Blacks Who Starred In Round One Of Super Rugby

The Super Rugby season kicked off with its usual fireworks as the Southern Hemisphere’s finest clashed in a celebration of speed, power and skill. One particular player embodying all three such elements is Crusaders fullback David Havili.

The 25-year-old already boasts a number of strings to his bow since he burst on the scene in 2015 and appears to be going from strength to strength. The Crusaders were victorious in their opener against the Waratahs in Nelson on the weekend with Havili making a significant contribution to a decidedly dominant performance.

Havili put his time on the field to good effect, carrying the ball 13 times, beating 11 defenders, making 4 clean breaks, 3 offloads, gaining a total of 111m for his team, as well as adding 13 points with an impressive boot; definitely a player to keep an eye on going into the second round.

He switched seamlessly into second five eight from fullback after Jack Goodhue left the field after his allotted minutes - as per the agreement between New Zealand Rugby and the franchises.

Impressed for the All Blacks after making his test debut in 2017 against Argentina earning a further four test caps that year but hasn't had a taste of test rugby with All Blacks since.

It's a bit early to start speculating if he could force his way back into the side but with his versatility and a new head coach at the helm, he could just get another sniff at the jersey.

Havili wasn't the only All Black to step up against the Waratahs and impress with fellow teammate Luke Romano putting in an outstanding shift off the bench for new captain Scott Barrett.

Romano was brutal for 33 minutes against the Waratahs providing front foot ball from the first to his last carry of the game and was equally if not more effective on defence.

With his physicality on the day summed up with this carry to score following a slip after the lineout by Sevu Reece.

The 33-year-old has been churning out strong performance for the Crusaders and Canterbury over the past two season, if not longer, but hasn't tasted test footy since 2017 with the All Blacks spoilt for choice in Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Patrick Tuipulotu.