Blues centre George Moala has added leadership skills to his repertoire of pace, strength and hard running, according to teammate Jerome Kaino.
The 25-year-old Moala has joined Kaino in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad after scoring on his debut against Samoa in July 2015.
He was also called into the New Zealand set-up as injury cover in their June series against Wales, starring in the third Test in Dunedin.
Blues skipper and All Black veteran Kaino, 33, said Moala had developed into an all-round talent.
He is expected to play a part in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship campaign following the Achilles tendon injury to Sonny Bill Williams.
“What he could do on the field was always obvious, and his physical attributes, but it’s more that he’s embraced being a leader,” Kaino said.
“Especially in the Blues environment, I think he’s really relishing the opportunity to go out there with younger backs, and leading them.”
Moala played all but two 2016 Super Rugby games for the Blues as the Auckland-based side finished 11th and missed the finals.
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