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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, there are several strong contenders impressing in Super Rugby Pacific<\/a>, including the Highlanders\u2019 Timoci Tavatavanawai and Quinn Tupaea of the Chiefs.<\/p>\n Barrett<\/a> remains the frontrunner, though, having been one of New Zealand\u2019s<\/a> best backs since returning from Leinster, a stint some believe made him a better player.<\/p>\n Donald, who was speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav<\/a>, is not necessarily one of those, insisting that the 29-year-old is naturally progressing as he enters his prime.<\/p>\n \u2018Jordie will start under any All Blacks coach\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s still going like that,\u201d the ex-playmaker said while moving his arm upwards, before adding: \u201cI don\u2019t think it was necessarily just because he went to Leinster.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s not an old man so he\u2019s 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\u2019re only going to get better as a rugby player.<\/p>\n \u201cHis body is clearly a long way away from beginning to creak.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a luxury. It\u2019s a fascinating situation. Jordie\u2019s the vice-captain, Jordie\u2019s going to be a starting member of any All Blacks team coached by any man on this planet \u2013 he\u2019s going to be there.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it a case of, \u2018keep playing well boys but, sorry, we\u2019ve got Jordie Barrett at 12\u2019, or can we fit everyone in?\u201d<\/p>\n Opinion: Dave Rennie is right, it\u2019s time to ditch New Zealand Rugby\u2019s outdated All Blacks policy<\/a><\/p>\n While Barrett has maintained his outstanding form, Tavatavanawai is arguably matching him stride for stride.<\/p>\n After an incredible 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, which resulted in an All Blacks call-up, he has possibly been even better in 2026.<\/p>\n Donald compared him to Ardie Savea at Moana Pasifika in terms of the influence he has had on this Highlanders side.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are so many good players in that \u2018Landers team but you feel like you\u2019re watching one man when you go and watch the \u2018Landers, it is remarkable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve quite seen anyone \u2013 maybe Ardie last year with Moana \u2013 where you feel just gravitated towards watching one guy in the team because that\u2019s how big an influence he is.\u201d<\/p>\n Versatile Tupaea<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cQuinn\u2019s almost a hybrid of the other two,\u201d Donald said. \u201cJordie\u2019s got the full game \u2013 the passing, the kicking, the running \u2013 and then you\u2019ve got Tavatavanawai, who has a physical presence. When he carries, he rarely gets tackled first time, rarely loses contacts, is strong over the ball.<\/p>\n