Saula Ma’u fits part of the mould.
He is a massive man who could shunt a mountain sideways.
But the Highlanders bookend is a big softy, really.
He is a quietly spoken, gentle character who had to choke back the emotion when talking about his family and what it means to bring up 50 games for the Highlanders when they play the Crusaders in Christchurch tonight.
"Yeah, it means a lot to my family because I came over from Tonga when I was young, when I was 15," he said.
"I’m trying not to get too emotional.
"I know my family are so happy that I’m getting my 50 games this week.
"I know that they want to be there on the weekend to watch my game, but they’ve been watching me from back home, calling me after every game."
The 25-year-old made his debut from the bench against the Hurricanes in 2022.
"There was a lot of nervous emotion throughout the whole week, but I just tried not to think about the game too much before the game.
"My first carry, I was running into Ardie Savea, so yeah, it was good."
Oomph.
"I still get nervous before every game.
"All the boys know that before the games, I’ll spew up in the bathroom."
Ma’u will pack down against All Black prop Tamaiti Williams. They are familiar with each other from schoolboy rugby in Auckland.
In prop years, Ma’u is a teenager. His best years are ahead of him.
"There’s a lot of room for my game to improve. Obviously, trying to nail my role, which is set-piece, scrumming, line-outs and just working hard on my game in general."
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has backed Ma’u this season. He has been his preferred starting tighthead.
"He’s obviously a very big man, very dedicated to wanting to be a really good rugby player. He’s still learning.
"He’s a tidy prop. Those guys don’t come good till they’re about the end of their late 20s, so he’s got a lot to learn and a lot of potential.
"But playing 50 games in such a short amount of time is a real credit to him. And I think he’s got a big future ahead."
Ma’u will have to share the limelight with a couple of Crusaders who are also notching milestones.
Veteran halfback Mitch Drummond will register his 150th game for the club, and Dallas McLeod will start from the bench in his 50th match.
The Highlanders (19 points) will be desperate to wrestle as many points from the game as possible in order to avoid the wooden spoon, while the Crusaders (41 points) are still jockeying for pole position going into the playoffs.
Super Rugby
Christchurch
Friday, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Taniela Filimone, Taine Robinson, Folau Fakatava, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Te Kamaka Howden, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot.
Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Sefo Kautai, Tai Cribb, Will Stodart, Adam Lennox, Cam Millar, Thomas Umaga-Jensen.
Crusaders: Johnny McNicholl, Sevu Reece, Braydon Ennor, David Havili (captain), Macca Springer, Rivez Reihana, Mitch Drummond, Christian Lio-Willie, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Jamie Hannah, Scott Barrett, Tamaiti Williams, Codie Taylor, George Bower.
Reserves: George Bell, Lewis Ponini, Seb Calder, Quinten Strange, Corey Kellow, Kyle Preston, James O’Connor, Dallas McLeod.
