'Playing for New Zealand is a good way to show my love for my brother'

Tupou Vaa'i opens up on handling the emotion of losing a sibling at a young age and Jonah Lomu's influence

- Robert Kitson

For years the names barely changed. Between them Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick played 262 Tests for New Zealand, breaking the record for the most capped second-row pairing in international rugby. By the end they made Stonehenge feel like a temporary art installation and their departures removed the twin pillars upon which the best modern All Black sides were built.

So no pressure on those following in their giant footsteps. Scott Barrett at least hails from one of rugby's most famous family dynasties but perhaps the most intriguing member of New Zealand's recent starting packs is the less celebrated Tupou Vaa'i. Tucked away behind the vowels is a man with a deeply moving backstory and an inner drive to match anyone on the field at Twickenham this weekend.

Back in the 90s Vaa'i's parents, Susana and Ueini, moved from the small Tongan island of 'Eua to New Zealand in search of a better life for their family. They had to work tirelessly to make ends meet with an ever-increasing number of mouths to feed. Vaa'i is one of nine siblings, including six sisters and just one older brother, Tevita. It hit him particularly hard when Tevita, aged seven, tragically drowned while swimming in a local creek.