Stephen Donald believes that Dave Rennie is blessed to have a number of quality options in the 12 shirt after discussing the challengers to Jordie Barrett.

The Hurricanes star has been the nailed on inside centre over the past few years and has continued to shine for both club and country.

However, there are several strong contenders impressing in Super Rugby Pacific, including the Highlanders’ Timoci Tavatavanawai and Quinn Tupaea of the Chiefs.

Barrett remains the frontrunner, though, having been one of New Zealand’s best backs since returning from Leinster, a stint some believe made him a better player.

Donald, who was speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav, is not necessarily one of those, insisting that the 29-year-old is naturally progressing as he enters his prime.

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“He’s still going like that,” the ex-playmaker said while moving his arm upwards, before adding: “I don’t think it was necessarily just because he went to Leinster.

“He’s not an old man so he’s naturally going to get better every year. You get smarter as you get older and as long as your body can keep up with your mind, you’re only going to get better as a rugby player.

“His body is clearly a long way away from beginning to creak.

“What a luxury. It’s a fascinating situation. Jordie’s the vice-captain, Jordie’s going to be a starting member of any All Blacks team coached by any man on this planet – he’s going to be there.

“Is it a case of, ‘keep playing well boys but, sorry, we’ve got Jordie Barrett at 12’, or can we fit everyone in?”

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While Barrett has maintained his outstanding form, Tavatavanawai is arguably matching him stride for stride.

After an incredible 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, which resulted in an All Blacks call-up, he has possibly been even better in 2026.

Donald compared him to Ardie Savea at Moana Pasifika in terms of the influence he has had on this Highlanders side.

“There are so many good players in that ‘Landers team but you feel like you’re watching one man when you go and watch the ‘Landers, it is remarkable,” he said.

“I don’t know if I’ve quite seen anyone – maybe Ardie last year with Moana – where you feel just gravitated towards watching one guy in the team because that’s how big an influence he is.”

Versatile Tupaea

The third standout option is Tupaea, who has once again played at 12 for the Chiefs this season despite having a couple of superb games for the All Blacks at outside centre in 2025.

“Quinn’s almost a hybrid of the other two,” Donald said. “Jordie’s got the full game – the passing, the kicking, the running – and then you’ve got Tavatavanawai, who has a physical presence. When he carries, he rarely gets tackled first time, rarely loses contacts, is strong over the ball.

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“Then you’ve got Quinn in the middle of it, who is equally as powerful and strong with the carries but also has a lot more touch to his game than you probably give him credit for.

“Last year Quinn played 13 and he did it very well so is that still a realistic option for the new All Black regime coming in? It is a luxury.

“We’re not even mentioning a guy like [Billy] Proctor. There are so many good midfielders at the moment. There’s not really a stress on depth there you would say.”

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