Collins scored two tries to help Ospreys to a 27-23 win over fellow Welsh club, the Dragons, at Rodney Parade, in Newport, at the weekend.
The 28-year-old, who played 50 Super Rugby games for the Blues and Highlanders, is in his second stint in Wales and qualifies for the national team, started at centre and clearly impressed, the Wales Online website describing him as the ‘‘headline act with a high-class debut’’.
‘‘The Wales-qualified former Super Rugby man opened the home cover in the first half by running an angle that might have flummoxed Pythagoras had he been in the hosts’ defensive line.
‘‘Then he powered over from short range for his second touchdown.
‘‘He also didn’t miss a beat in defence and had an assurance about him.’’
Ospreys coach Toby Booth was also impressed with Collins.
‘‘He has a massive influence on us as a leader and is also a calm head, and has a lot of experience in different positions,’’ Booth said.
‘‘He is very methodical and deliberate. He has today performed well and come up with a massive contribution to us winning the game.’’
Watching the game was Welsh coach Wayne Pivac.
Collins qualifies for Wales through his Llanelli-born grandfather and, while earlier this year he played down the prospect of playing test rugby for his adopted nation, he must be on the radar.
Also in the Ospreys backline was former Blues first five Gareth Anscombe, who is making a comeback after suffering a serious knee injury two years ago.
Former Highlanders and Otago prop Aki Seiuli started for the Dragons.
The game was part of the opening round of the new-look United Rugby Championship, which involves the Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Italian clubs, as well as South African former Super Rugby teams the Sharks, Stormers, Lions and Bulls.
