The All Blacks' Tupou Vaa'i is a force to be reckoned with on the rugby field, and his emergence as a 'menace' is no coincidence. In this article, we delve into the story behind his rise to prominence, exploring the influences and strategies that have shaped his game.
The Mentor's Influence
Vaa'i's journey to becoming a menace on the field began with his time alongside Brodie Retallick, an expert provocateur and 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year. Retallick's mentorship and playing style left a lasting impression on Vaa'i, teaching him that getting into the game goes beyond just lineout skills.
"Playing alongside Brodie Retallick for those years, it’s easy to pick up on things like that," Vaa'i shared. "It’s just another way that you can get into the game. My good old mate Fletcher Newell has copped it a bit, but we’re good mates, and he knows it as well. We’ve had a laugh after the game."
This approach to the game, however, is not just about being a troublemaker. Vaa'i emphasizes the importance of understanding his role and how he wants to be perceived by his teammates.
The Evolution of Vaa'i's Game
As Vaa'i progressed in his career, he began to embrace his reputation as a menace, using it as a motivator. He recognizes that his in-the-moment antics help him get into the game and perform at his best.
"Just more around understanding who I am and how I want to be perceived by other players," he explained. "I tend to get called a bit of a menace around camp. It’s just in-the-moment things that help me get into the game. I think I perform at my best when I’m at that stage, if that makes sense."
This mindset shift has allowed Vaa'i to develop as a more experienced engine-room operator, playing alongside Sam Darry, Josh Lord, and Fabian Holland.
The New Zealand Rugby Standard
The All Blacks' new coaching regime, led by Dave Rennie, has also played a significant role in Vaa'i's development. The introduction of back-in-game stats has created a culture of accountability, where players are evaluated based on their efforts off the ball and getting back into position.
"As the boys have said the last couple of weeks, there’s no hiding any more, and there are always stats that come out on a Monday, and it’s pretty strict, in a good way. There’s definitely no hiding," Vaa'i said.
This new standard has pushed Vaa'i to raise his game, and he's grateful for the guidance of Neil Barnes, the All Blacks' lead assistant coach, who emphasizes the finer details of lineout jumps and decision-making.
The Move to Blindside Flanker
Vaa'i's versatility has been showcased by his recent move to the blindside flank position, where he will start against Ireland this weekend. This shift adds height and nous to the All Blacks' lineout and maul defense, with greater pack weight aiding New Zealand in the collision area.
Building a Dominant Defense
Vaa'i's defensive mindset is centered around stopping opposition momentum at its source, focusing on the set piece and breakdown. In open-field play, he emphasizes the importance of players making decisions to shut down ball-runners.
"Being able to scan defenders, us forwards have been working really hard on that stuff. They’ve given us the license to pull the trigger, back what you see, and play to where the space is," he said.
This approach, combined with the team's new tools and standards, positions the All Blacks for continued success on the international stage.
In conclusion, Tupou Vaa'i's journey to becoming a menace on the rugby field is a testament to the power of mentorship, self-awareness, and a commitment to excellence. As he continues to evolve as a player, his impact on the All Blacks' success will undoubtedly be significant.
