You know it's great when your opposition is talking about it.
He will wear his dad's iconic No.14 number as a cyclor on the Italian challenge.
In the meantime, the former first-five will guide the South African attack strategy.
It was also his first try for his new club.
The midfielder was initially shown a yellow card, upgraded to red in his team's gritty extra-time win.
All square at fulltime, the Hurricanes emerged victorious in sudden death.
A double to All Blacks winger Sevu Reece went in vain as the Sydney-side upset the reigning champions.
The pair propelled their team to a second straight Super Rugby Pacific victory at Melbourne.
The 25-year-old will make his first start of the year after a poor pre-season.
Last year's runners-up have hit the ground running, but lost star first-five Damian McKenzie.
Newshub rugby reporter Ollie Ritchie surveys the Super Rugby landscape for new international talent.
Last year's finalists will square off again to kick-start the new season.
The Kiwi has signed a two-year deal to help restore Australia's fortunes.
The new Springboks attack coach will deputise for Jason O'Halloran to start the season.
"When Patty comes back, I'm straight behind him, I'll follow him."
The former Dally M medallist will start at centre in NZ Warriors' pre-season trial against Wests Tigers.
Both sides brought back their internationals from their extended offseason break.
Once a source of stress, the All Blacks back has overhauled his diet and it's already paying dividends.
TJ Perenara will play his first match for the Hurricanes since 2022 on Friday, but his halfback counterpart Roigard is now in doubt for the season opener.
The All Blacks lock will be back on the field much sooner than expected.