Former All Blacks scrumhalf, Justin Marshall stated on The Good The Bad and The Rugby Australia New Zealand podcast that Timoci Tavatavanawai is the kind of player that the All Blacks need in their midfield.
He doubles down saying Tavatavanawai is a Ma’a Nonu on steroids saying look at the destruction he was able to cause after moving from the wing.
Marshall said this after being asked on what is the answer if he had to face Tavatavanawai.
Marshall says if the All Blacks selectors are not looking at Tavatavanawai now that he has got that No. 12 jersey on, then they are foolhardy because he is devastating as a player and could change the picture.
Three Fijians have been named in the starting Highlanders lineup to take on Moana Pasifika tonight in skipper Tavatavanawai at inside centre, Soane Vikena at hooker and Veveni Lasaqa at openside flanker.
This is the second time all three will start together while Lasaqa started from the bench in round 1 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season.
The Highlanders take on Moana Pasifika at 6.05 tonight.
In other games, the Waratahs meet the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at 8.35pm tonight, the Hurricanes face the Blues at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Force meet the Reds at 8.35pm tomorrow while the Crusaders are on a bye this week.
