Seta Tamanivalu. Remember the name. The powerful Fijian born centre has just been crowned the ITM Cup player of the year for 2014. The ITM Cup is New Zealand's premier regional tournament played during the Rugby Championship. It's traditionally a breeding ground for the best talent in New Zealand.
There were 38 players from the ITM Cup in 2013 that earned their first Super Rugby contract last year, with 3 of those players - Nathan Harris, Patrick Tuipulotu and Malakai Fekitoa went on to earn their first caps for the All Blacks.
Seta Tamanivalu - RWC Bolter
Seta Tamanivalu is one of 26 players who have been rewarded contracts for the upcoming Super Rugby season. The former 7s star will be paired with Sonny Bill Williams in Chiefs midfield. With Conrad Smith getting on in years, and with only Malakai Fekitoa having stepped up fully for New Zealand in Smith's absense, any injuries could open the door for Tamanivalu to sneak into the World Cup squad. That's only if he decides to play for New Zealand. Tamanivalu is Fijian born, so he could declare for the Pacific nation side either.
Why are we excited about Seta Tamanivalu? Possibly because of greatest fend we have ever seen a few months ago in a 7s tournament.
