Asafo Aumua not only had to battle a string of injuries to get back into the All Blacks but also the scales.
Thrust into the test against the Irish early after Codie Taylor succumbed to injury, Aumua delivered a quality 60 minutes at Eden Park, scoring one of six All Black tries.
It had been a long journey back to the jersey for Aumua, which fits a lot better now than it would have in January.
“I know I was eating quite a bit. I was a bit heavy heading into pre-season. But, happy to be back in decent, or good enough, nick to play the game.”
The dynamic hooker said he ballooned in weight in the off-season before trimming back down for Super Rugby.
“I lied to our nutritionist. I said I was 124kg, but I was actually 126kg. Now I’m 116kg. I was probably just eating too much.
“I was actually eating good food, but just a lot. Probably double the portions I should have been. But, I’m back to eating properly now.”
Aumua has been at his bulldozing best for the All Blacks in 2026, his damaging runs helping keep Ireland on the back foot following Taylor’s departure.
His impact illustrated the ruthless nature the side is trying to play with.
Despite being up 40-21 with the siren having sounded, Aumua said captain Ardie Savea’s message was to keep going.
“His message was ‘We’re not going to wind down the clock. We’re going to play.’ It’s been a constant throughout the series as well. Just trying to keep the ball moving, keep it alive. Try not to give the opposition a rest.”
That game plan has been an enjoyable one to execute, fellow front rower Ethan De Groot said.
“He’s [Dave Rennie] allowing us to back skill and having a crack so yeah, I’m enjoying that side of the game.”
De Groot joked that he had been looking to improve his on-field flair under the new regime.
“It’s funny because Barnsy [assistant coach Neil Barnes] actually gave me s*** for having no skills so I’ve been working hard on trying to prove him wrong with a bit of razzle.”
The powerhouse prop said the Irish brought plenty of intensity on Saturday night, despite the one-sided scoreline.
“It was very physical. Some big ball carriers there so it’s cool to get some shoulders on.”
De Groot said while it was a pleasing performance, there was still plenty of work to be done.
“It was definitely a step in the right direction. I still feel like there’s some room for improvement. I still feel like we left a few out there, to be honest. It wasn’t always pretty, but we got there.”
Having conceded early points against both France and Italy, it was the All Blacks that established dominance in the opening minutes at Eden Park.
“We had a big emphasis on our start – the last two weeks, teams have scored on us, so pretty happy we didn’t let them in early.”
Asked whether they would have to raise the standard ahead of the tour to South Africa, De Groot replied, “What do you think?”
