Tavatavanawai is a threat in the middle of the field over the ball - Hansen

All Blacks Assistant Coach Scott Hansen has described Fiji-born Highlanders outside back and new All Blacks inclusion Timoci Tavatavanawai as a threat in the middle of the field over the ball.

The 27-year-old was named in the All Blacks squad for the upcoming July test series against France after an impressive outing for the Highlanders in this year’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific despite the Highlanders’ bottom-of-the-table finish.

Hansen says Tavatavanawai has matured into a decisive ball carrier and influences the game on both sides of the ball.

He says the Highlanders’ Co-Captain worked tirelessly for his team in the Super Rugby Pacific competition this year, and they could not speak more highly of him, both as a player and as a person.

Tavatavanawai gets the nod over Crusaders captain and Tasman teammate David Havili but will be a popular pick because of his X-factor attributes.

The former Queen Victoria School student topped the turnover statistics this season with 26 turnovers, ahead of flankers Kirifi and Ardie Savea.

Tavatavanawai also led the competition for defenders beaten with 78.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks will take on France in the first game of their 3 test match series at 7.05pm next Saturday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.