Billy Harmon knows Scott Robertson well but only grins when asked if he is expecting any favours from the next All Blacks coach.
The Highlanders captain has more pressing priorities, to be fair — like trying to start a proper winning streak when his team hosts the dangerous Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon.
Still, he had a taste of the All Blacks environment when he was called in as cover at the end of last year, and the Canterbury flanker knows exactly what Robertson will bring to the job in 2024.
"He’ll bring a lot of energy, and a really fresh flavour," Harmon said.
"It’s probably well-deserved, you know. He’s won that many titles.
"I had him as coach my first couple of years with Canterbury, and then my first couple of years with the Crusaders, and I think we won titles every year."
Harmon is already vaguely in the All Blacks frame — so, does he think old mate Razor might give him the nod in 2024?
"He cut me a few years ago, ha ha, so we’ll see how we go."
Dreams of black jerseys can wait.
For now, Harmon is desperate to see his mates in blue build on their win over the Force in Invercargill and strike some form against the Drua today.
He had seen confidence levels boosted by getting a breakthrough victory at their fourth attempt, and felt the Highlanders were well placed to keep improving.
"I think we just need to keep building from our momentum.
"We showed some good things, but we let some things slip as well, so it’s just about staying switched on.
"We know what the Fijian Drua can bring. They’ll play from anywhere, they’ll tap and go, they’re not afraid to throw it around, so we need to stay ready."
The Highlanders were capable of playing some good rugby, though they aimed to do it from a more traditional base, Harmon said.
"We back everyone to play what they see, but that comes off the back of nailing our system and nailing our structure, which gives you the opportunity to play."
Harmon’s loose trio has been battered and bruised already this season, with Marino Mikaele-Tu’u lasting just three minutes before suffering a rib injury and Shannon Frizell ruled out for the second straight game with a hip niggle.
That has allowed unsung hero Hugh Renton, in particular, a chance to impress — and Harmon has seen what the No8 can offer.
"Before his game the other week, he hadn’t played since round four of the NPC, and in his first game back, he just came out flying.
"That’s testament to who he is, as a person. There’s not many that work as hard as him in any team I’ve been in, so I’m stoked for him. He deserves it."
The Highlanders have also, thanks to a bulging injury list, been able to blood a bunch of youngsters.
Reserve hooker Jack Taylor will be the latest to get his chance today, much to the delight of Stags fans, and Harmon is enjoying seeing the young bucks emerge.
"They’re the next generation, and you’ve seen the Highlanders are investing in those guys.
"I think it’s well deserved. Hopefully it just shows where the club can go in the future."
The Highlanders are well aware of the threats posed by the Drua.
One interesting statistic is that the Fijians have five tries from penalty taps this season. And yes, that is five more the Highlanders have managed.
Here is another number: seven. That is the number of line breaks from winger Iosefo Masi this year. No Highlander has more than two.
It should certainly be a clash of styles, and the Highlanders will need to be vastly more accurate to make sure the Fijians do not get chances to counter under the roof.
Super Rugby Pacific
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today 4.35pm
Highlanders: Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogado, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jonah Lowe, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (captain), Sean Withy, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Leni Apisai, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi.
Fijian Drua: Selestino Ravutaumada, Iosefo Masi, Apisalome Vota, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Taniela Rakuro, Kemu Valetini, Frank Lomani, Meli Derenalagi (captain), Kitione Salawa, Joseva Tamani, Leona Rotuisolia, Isoa Nasilasila, Samuela Tawake, Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri. Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Jone Koroiduadua, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela.
