If equalling a Super Rugby record was “a bit of a fluke”, earning elevation to the All Blacks would be far from accidental.
Charlie Ngatai’s red-hot season reached boiling point for a strong case for selection in the June internationals.
With the All Blacks be looking to replace 197 caps of midfield experience in the series against Wales, Ngatai’s form for his franchise has surely made him the front-runner to fill Ma’a Nonu’s No.12 jersey.
Ngatai has played every minute of consequence for the Chiefs, with footwork, a fend and speed in the opening field seeing the 25-year-old rank inside the competition’s top three in clean breaks and defenders beaten.
Ngatai has also been kicking well tactically and defending with solidity, helping add balance to the competition leaders’ explosive attack.
The Chiefs play the Brumbies at 8.40pm Saturday.
