However, flanker Steven Luatua is still keeping up with the pace and popping up in the wide channels despite being 33 years old, and the six jersey for now - is his own.
In time, though, Luatua might have to do a Michael Leitch and move into the second row to preserve his career.
Leitch, below, Japan's most-capped player, had never played a Test at lock until this summer but made the switch against Georgia as a result of the Brave Blossoms playing a 'Chosoku' (super-fast) brand of rugby.
Bristol's style is not dissimilar and their former captain and centurion is not adverse to anything that will ultimately help the team he has served with distinction since arriving Auckland from in 2017.
"I'm open to moving in," Luatua told The Rugby Paper.
"We have got some outstanding loose forwards coming through, and we've got Fitzy (Fitz Harding) as captain, we've got Santiago Grondona and when Bill Mata is back fit, it gives the coaches a headache. But it is a good headache. I am under no illusions that whoever is performing well gets the jersey and if I need to move to lock, or the bench, then so be it."
Denne historien er fra October 13, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
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Denne historien er fra October 13, 2024-utgaven av The Rugby Paper.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
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Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
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