Former All Blacks loose forward Murray Mexted has voiced his perspective on Tupou Vaa’i's role in the national team, predicting a strategic shift by head coach Dave Rennie in the upcoming games. Despite Vaa’i being officially named as a lock, Mexted suggests that his future lies in the blindside flanker position, a role that he has sporadically filled in the past.
Vaa’i, a 26-year-old player with experience in both the lock and back-row positions, has mostly played as a lock during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign for the Chiefs. However, his past includes eight starts as a blindside flanker, four of which were under Scott Robertson last year. This experiment was abandoned after a defeat in Argentina during the Rugby Championship, leading many to ponder his optimal position.
Mexted shared his insights on the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin, emphasizing the tactical nuances of rugby selections.
"When I look at that All Black team, there are too many guys that are really, really good at the breakdown at turning over ball and not enough guys at winning the bloody thing from set-piece, particularly lineouts and kick-offs,"
he explained. Mexted believes that Rennie's decision to shift Vaa’i to flanker is driven by a need to balance the team’s dynamics, particularly in securing possession from set-pieces.The discussion around Vaa’i’s position is not just about his skill set but also his physical stature. Mexted pointed out that Vaa’i, at 1.97 meters, might not have the ideal height for a lock compared to teammates Josh Lord, Sam Darry, and the injured Fabian Holland, who all surpass the two-meter mark.
"If you’ve got a lock that is 1.97m and then you look at guys like Holland who’s 2.04m, there’s a world of difference."
This size difference, according to Mexted, is crucial at the international level where every small advantage counts.The strategic use of players like Vaa’i in roles that maximize their strengths while compensating for any physical limitations is a testament to the nuanced understanding of rugby at the highest levels. Rennie's potential decision to deploy Vaa’i as a flanker could well be a masterstroke in enhancing the All Blacks' lineout and breakdown effectiveness, pivotal areas that often decide the flow and ultimately the outcome of matches.
As the rugby world continues to evolve, so too does the approach to player positions and roles, with coaches like Dave Rennie at the forefront, making calculated decisions that stir discussions and sometimes, even controversies among pundits and fans alike.