Fiji-born No.8 Pita Gus Sowakula is being touted as an All Black-in-waiting, after a stellar start to Super Rugby Pacific with the Chiefs.
Sowakula, 27, has caught the eye more than once, playing for both the Chiefs and with Taranaki in the National Provincial Championship, since 2017.
But his game has risen to another level so far in 2022, instrumental to the Chiefs' successes to start their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
On Saturday, Sowakula laid down another marker, as the Chiefs toppled the Crusaders 24-21 at Christchurch, making 21 runs for 60 metres on attack and eight tackles on defence.
After previously stating his intention to represent New Zealand over his native Fiji, Sowakula's time in a black jersey could be just around the corner, as the All Blacks build to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking on Sky Sport's The Breakdown, All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan threw his weight behind Sowakula, saying he needed to become an All Black quickly, so he could adapt to test rugby before 2023.
"My trouble is, yes, because Akira [Ioane] is injured and he brings a different [type of] athlete," Sir John says.
"I love how strong he is, but we've got 18 tests to go [until the 2023 World Cup], when do we just go 'OK, we need to settle on our side? When do we bring him in?'
"If he continues playing like this, he's definitely in contention. I'd love to see him, because he's a bit different."
Referee Ben O'Keeffe also added support for Sowakula's All Blacks inclusion, noting his improvement on what was already an impressive CV with the Chiefs before 2022.
"We've always had these issues in New Zealand, haven't we? We've got quality back-rowers and we need people to actually pick.
"I've been a referee with him for a few years now and I've never seen him run with the ball as fast as he is now, and I've never seen him hit tackles as hard as the last few games played.
"He's definitely a contender and he's definitely up there [as] one of the best players at the moment."
Sowakula isn't the only foreign-born player out to seal an All Blacks spot in 2022, with Tongan halfback Folau Fakatava of the Highlanders also making it clear he sees his future in black.
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