26 THE BUS DEPARTS
In early 2015 Julian Savea signed a four-year contract to stay in New Zealand until the 2019 World Cup.
It seemed like smart business all round as the Bus had been in supreme form throughout 2014 and was scoring tries for fun.
But once the contract was signed, everything turned to custard. Savea was considered not fit enough by the All Blacks and was put on a special conditioning programme ahead of the World Cup.
He managed to sharpen up in time for the tournament but he fell o the wagon again in 2016 and was dropped by the Hurricanes for not being fit enough.
By 2017 it was apparent he had lost his edge entirely and after one test against the British Lions he was never picked again.
It was a long and sad fall for a once iconic player and it was almost a relief when he announced he had signed with Toulon in June this year.
It was the moment he seemed to accept that his All Blacks dream was over and that it was time to cash in on the largesse of a French club owner with more money than sense.
He would be able to leave New Zealand with his reputation damaged but not ruined.