Saturday 9 September 2017 14:38, UK
Vaea Fifita celebrated his first start for the All Blacks with a highly influential try-scoring performance.
After Liam Squire impressed against Australia in the opening two Tests of the Rugby Championship it looked like the Highlanders flanker could be in line to take over the No 6 jersey from Jerome Kaino.
However on Saturday Fifita provided the selectors with plenty to think about in New Plymouth, going on several strong runs for the home side as well as scoring a try that brought the All Blacks back into a game they were behind in. It was only Fifita's second Test for New Zealand, after he entered the fray as a replacement against Samoa in June ahead of the Lions Test series earlier this year - and he scored a try that day too.
It now looks like the All Blacks are well placed to usher in a new era of talented loose forwards, with Ardie Savea pushing Sam Cane hard for the No 7 jersey.
