Tupou Vaa'i gives first impression of 'big unit' Fabian Holland

Concerns over the post-Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick era for the All Blacks have been heavily alleviated by the continued emergence of Tupou Vaa’i, Sam Darry, Josh Lord, and now new All Black recruit Fabian Holland in 2024.

22-year-old Holland only became available for New Zealand selection in August this year but has been touted for a black jersey for some time while impressing during his first two years of Super Rugby Pacific with the Highlanders.

Standing at 204 cm and north of 120 kg, the Dutch-born prospect has made a strong impression with his mobility and nous around the breakdown, establishing himself as one of Super Rugby’s most prolific turnover threats despite his size making him a large target for the opposition.

Regarding his core roles, Holland finished in the top 10 for lineouts won and tackles made in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

Such impact from a youngster clearly caught the eye of All Blacks selectors, who named him in the 2024 All Blacks XV squad where he was awarded Man of the Match for his effort in the team’s opening win against Munster.

With that performance in mind, when All Black Sam Darry had his Autumn Nations Series cut short due to a knee injury, it was Holland who got the call-up ahead of fellow All Blacks XV second-rowers Naitoa Ah Kuoi and Isaia Walker-Leawere.

Having come into the environment ahead of last week’s Paris Test, Holland has had a week to make his presence felt.

“Man, he’s a big unit. He’s real skilful, real fast, explosive. He’s going to be real dangerous in the future, I can see that now. Hopefully, we can suit up together sometime in the future and go to work,” Tupou Vaa’i told media in Turin.

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Vaa’i, 24, is still in the early stages of his professional career but earnt his first All Blacks cap against Australia back in 2020.

While the Chiefs hardman had the likes of Whitelock and Retallick as mentors during his early years with New Zealand, Holland has missed that era and the benefit of mentorship from the iconic duo.

Vaa’i has stepped up this season as a lineout caller in the starting XV, and was asked if he had also stepped up as a mentor for the rookies in the squad.

“I guess so, but I’ve also got two quality locks in front of me as well, that’s Patty (Tuipulotu) and Scoot (Barrett). They’ve both been unreal this year and I’m pretty much learning off them and so are the younger two. We’re just feeding off each other really.”

While Holland has immense promise, it’s likely he’ll still have to bide his time as the form of team captain Barrett, Vaa’i and Tuipulotu makes cracking the matchday 23 an almightily steep challenge.

Having just gone through the same process, Vaa’i is well-placed to set the tone for young Holland’s attitude in the team.

“I’m just enjoying being involved on and off the field. I’m just grateful that I get to put on the black jersey each and every week. I’ve been sitting at the back and waiting for my opportunity and I feel like I’ve taken it with two hands this year. I’m just real grateful and blessed to be a part of this team. This team is very special and it’s something I want to be a part of for a very long time.”