All Blacks 'enemies' lock horns in Super Rugby final / Photo: DAVID ROWLAND - AFP/File
All Blacks 'enemies' lock horns in Super Rugby final
Waikato Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i has mixed feelings as he prepares for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Auckland Blues, facing off with an All Blacks rival who is also one of his idols.
The 24-year-old will be up against experienced Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu, who makes a shock return after injuring his knee.
"He's the guy I look up to, so it's a weird one," Vaa'i told AFP on Thursday of the 31-year-old.
"I guess on the field we'll be enemies, but I'm sure after the final whistle I will probably have a beer or two with him."
The Blues host the final at Eden Park and a sell-out crowd of 45,000 is expected.
It promises to be a fierce clash in the forwards with both packs brimming with candidates gunning for All Blacks selection.
New Zealand's new head coach Scott Robertson will name his squad on Monday for the two-Test home series against England.
Vaa'i has played 25 Tests and debuted for New Zealand in 2020 -- when he replaced 43-Test Tuipulotu in a draw against Australia.
It is a toss-up which of the two will be favoured to partner Scott Barrett in the second row for the All Blacks.
Tuipulotu has rushed back from injury to play in Saturday's final, just a fortnight after tearing a knee ligament which was expected to sideline him for several weeks.
"When we catch up I'll ask how he got back on the field so quickly, when he was expected to miss a month or two," Vaa'i said.
"But it's awesome that he's back."
Vaa'i knows his performance will count towards All Blacks selection.
"If I said it's not on my mind, I'd be lying to you, but it's a good opportunity to go out there and put my best foot forward."
- 'Arm wrestle' -
The display of Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie will be a key factor in the title decider.
The fly-half orchestrated their semi-final win over the Hurricanes with several breaks and a superb kicking display.
"He's been so impressive and I feel like he's put his hand up for the Number 10 jersey with the All Blacks," Vaa'i said.
The Chiefs lost last year's final at home to the Canterbury Crusaders, who were coached by Robertson in his last game before taking over the All Blacks.
Vaa'i says the pain of losing a home final will help prepare the Chiefs when they attempt to end the Blues' 15-match winning streak at Eden Park.
"It's going to be a real arm wrestle," he said.
"It's a tough place to play, but it's going to be a good match-up," he added.
"It's going to be a forwards game."
O.Wood--EWJ
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