Another of the 'ones for the future' to have been blooded for the first time by Graham Henry in the mauling of Fiji, Lauaki has been tearing up trees for the Chiefs.

Hugely powerful both with ball in hand and defensively, the Tongan-born Lauaki faced the ABs last year as one of his three appearances for a united Pacific Islanders team but never represented the country of his birth.

Graham Henry liked what he saw that day and was quick to draft him into the full squad with an eye on the future.

A versatile back rower, he can play at six or eight, Lauaki is a bullocking runner and will be used - if at all - as an impact player against tiring Lions.