The search for New Zealand's answer to the legendary Pieter-Steph du Toit has led to an intriguing comparison with Tupou Vaa’i. While du Toit is a household name in South African rugby, Vaa’i, an All Black, has been quietly making waves and showcasing his versatility and impact on the field.
Both players have demonstrated their adaptability, playing lock and flanker during the Nations Championship. Vaa’i, despite playing fewer minutes, made a significant impact with his line-out prowess, stealing three line-out balls compared to du Toit's 11. This highlights Vaa’i's ability to excel in various roles, a trait that du Toit is renowned for.
In terms of work rate, Vaa’i's numbers are impressive. He made 23 carries, a respectable total, but du Toit's 50 carries and 186 post-contact metres, including 105 post-contact metres, showcase a more dominant presence on the field. Du Toit also outperformed Vaa’i in terms of defenders beaten, with seven compared to Vaa’i's three.
However, Vaa’i's tackle count of 50, compared to du Toit's 43, indicates a more aggressive and dominant approach. Both players executed four dominant tackles, showcasing their physicality and impact on the game.
On the scoring front, du Toit's two tries and two try assists give him the edge over Vaa’i's zero tries and one try assist. Yet, Vaa’i's overall performance and versatility cannot be overlooked.
The true test of Vaa’i's capabilities will come during the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, where the All Blacks and the Springboks will face off in a highly anticipated four-Test series. The numbers suggest that Vaa’i has the potential to be a game-changer, but the ultimate answer lies in the upcoming matches.
In my opinion, Vaa’i's ability to adapt and excel in multiple positions makes him a strong contender to be New Zealand's answer to du Toit. The upcoming series will provide a platform for Vaa’i to showcase his skills and potentially cement his place in rugby history, much like du Toit's legacy in South Africa.
