With the countdown to the British & Irish Lions 2017 tour to New Zealand well underway, we pick out some key names who could star for the All Blacks in two summers’ time.
Next up is one of the most dangerous weapons in world rugby, and a man who equalled the late Jonah Lomu’s try-scoring record in a single World Cup in 2015.
It always seemed inevitable that Julian Savea would become an All Black, ever since he blew everyone away at the 2010 Junior World Championships.
He scored eight tries in that tournament, a figure he would match five years on in the senior equivalent, helping New Zealand to the title on each occasion.
But while Savea always looked an All Black in waiting, few would have predicted quite how prolific he would become.
Still only 25, Savea has racked a scarcely believable 38 tries in 41 Tests, one ahead of Lomu, and ranks fifth all time in the All Black rankings.
Provided he stays fit, Doug Howlett’s 49 tries look eminently within reach for Savea, who kicked off his international career with a hat-trick against Ireland.
He has since gone on to score three further hat-tricks, against England, Georgia and France, the latter two during the recent World Cup.
While there is plenty of competition, he looks well-placed to be first choice for Steve Hansen’s side when the Lions come to town in 18 months.
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