Quinn Tupaea could be called upon by coach Scott Robertson to fill the void left by Jordie Barrett in the All Blacks midfield against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The powerful Chiefs midfielder has made a resurgence in the black jersey this season and his form couldn’t be ignored.
After starting the year as an impact player, Tupaea forced his way into the starting lineup with a standout display in Perth, where he crossed for a brace against the Wallabies.
The 26-year-old has since made the No 13 jersey his own, combining physicality with smart defensive reads and consistency in contact.
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Speaking in Edinburgh ahead of Saturday’s Test against Scotland, the 22-Test All Black said his season had been about graft and patience.
“I’ve just taken every week as it comes,” Tupaea said. “The other midfielders are quality around me, so I’ve had to work hard for my position. I got an opportunity off the bench, took it, and then tried to do the same when I started. It’s been a bit up and down, but I just put my head down, work hard, and back myself.”
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While his preferred position remains inside centre, Tupaea says shifting out to 13 has added another layer to his game.
“At 13, you’ve got more space to manage defensively, covering fullbacks and edges more. At 12, you’re looked after a bit more,” he explained. “It was a challenge initially, but moving back to 12 again has been pretty seamless.”
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With Scott and Jordie Barrett both ruled out, Tupaea says the All Blacks’ leadership group remains in good hands.
“Baz [Beauden Barrett] and Will Jordan will take a lot of pressure off me,” he added. “Being in the midfield, you make a lot of defensive calls, and that’s a part of the game I enjoy – it’s something I’ve done for the Chiefs too, so I’m comfortable.”
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