In the world of rugby, where every tackle and tackle is a battle of wits and physical prowess, Tupou Vaa'i has emerged as a formidable force, a 'menace' on the field with a unique style that both intimidates and captivates. But who inspired this young All Black to become such a force of nature? The answer lies in the mentorship and influence of one of rugby's most iconic figures, Brodie Retallick.
Vaa'i, in his seventh season with the All Blacks, has become a key player, known for his 'pot-stirring antics' and ability to disrupt the opposition. But it wasn't just the All Blacks environment that shaped his game; it was the time spent alongside Retallick at the Chiefs that truly transformed him. Retallick, a master provocateur and 2014 World Rugby Player of the Year, became a mentor and a role model for Vaa'i, teaching him more than just lineout skills.
"Playing alongside Brodie Retallick for those years, it’s easy to pick up on things like that," Vaa'i shared in an interview. "It’s just another way that you can get into the game. My good old mate Fletcher Newell has copped it a bit, but we’re good mates, and he knows it as well. We’ve had a laugh after the game." But Vaa'i is quick to clarify that this attitude is not just an adopted persona; it's a reflection of who he is as a player and the way he wants to be perceived.
"Just more around understanding who I am and how I want to be perceived by other players," he explained. "I tend to get called a bit of a menace around camp. It’s just in-the-moment things that help me get into the game. I think I perform at my best when I’m at that stage, if that makes sense." This mindset, however, has not made him popular with everyone, especially the halfbacks, who have borne the brunt of his jabs. But Vaa'i is no longer the new kid in camp, and he is stepping up to take on more responsibility.
As he continues to earn his stripes, Vaa'i is finding his feet as one of the All Blacks' more experienced engine-room operators. "It’s a bit of a weird feeling, to be honest. I’ve always been the younger lock over the last few years, and I guess it’s just something where I need to get out of my comfort zone and go bone-deep in my prep, and that’s something that I’m enjoying at the moment," he said. "Obviously, working alongside the other few locks that we have has helped me grow my game a bit more and understand the detail within the lineout system and within the game that we’re trying to play."
The All Blacks' new coach, Dave Rennie, has introduced new tools to uphold standards, and Vaa'i is embracing this change. "As the boys have said the last couple of weeks, there’s no hiding any more, and there are always stats that come out on a Monday, and it’s pretty strict, in a good way. There’s definitely no hiding," he said. "The boys that do need a couple of top-ups get shoulder-tapped, and I was definitely one of them in the previous weeks, prior to missing that French game."
Vaa'i's journey to becoming a 'menace' on the field is a testament to the power of mentorship and the influence of iconic players. But it's also a reminder that true greatness lies not just in the skills one possesses, but in the way one chooses to use them. As Vaa'i continues to evolve as a player, he is not only shaping his own destiny but also inspiring a new generation of rugby players to embrace their unique styles and find their own paths to greatness.
