Rising Star
Much like Tupou Vaa'i in 2020, Josh Lord has all the tools to make his presence felt at Super Rugby level. A standout for Taranaki in the Mitre 10 Cup season, the young lock brings plenty of physicality to the game, is a terrific defender, works hard at the breakdown and has a good offloading and running game that make him a threat on attack. Lord is likely to bide his time behind the likes of Vaa'i, Mitchell Brown and Naitoa Ah Kuoi, but will be up to the task when his name is called.