Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai is on the brink of making history as the first Fijian-born player to take the helm as captain of the All Blacks. While speculation swirls around Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph as a leading candidate for the vacant All Blacks head coach position, many believe he would likely appoint Tavatavanawai as his captain if he assumes the role.
Previous appointments of Super Rugby coaches to the All Blacks head coach position support this theory. Coaches have a habit of choosing their Super Rugby captains for the national team, a trend evident when outgoing coach Scott Robertson named Crusaders captain Scott Barrett as the new All Blacks captain. Likewise, Ian Foster selected Sam Cane, his Chiefs captain, despite facing public scrutiny.
Tavatavanawai’s strong performance in the recent season opener against reigning champions the Crusaders, where the Highlanders triumphed 25-23, has bolstered his chances. Coach Joseph lauded him as the “ultimate leader,” highlighting Tavatavanawai’s significant impact in challenging matches, especially while overcoming a broken arm and knee surgery earlier this year.
If Tavatavanawai can sustain his remarkable form and stay injury-free, he is poised to inherit the All Blacks captaincy, should Joseph formally take charge of the team in the near future. The Highlanders will next face the Chiefs at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin this Saturday at 6:05 pm (Fiji Time), creating another opportunity for Tavatavanawai to showcase his leadership skills.
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