Several Kiwi rugby players will be determined to make a point as Super Rugby gets underway for the season.
Aaron Smith of the Highlanders will be seeking to restore his image, after an off-field incident at Christchurch Airport caused him some degree of embarrassment and left him idle for three tests during the Rugby Championship. He was badly out of form on the November tour and lost the right to carry the tag Coach Warren Gatland had placed on him as the most influential player in the world.
Scott Barrett, the middle brother of the Super Rugby Barrett brothers, as he is intent on proving that that he can continue the good form he demonstrated in November. He was filling in for injured players for Steve Hansen’s tourists, played in all four tests, and supplied true impact in the second row.
Nehe Milner-Skudder missed the entire season with shoulder surgery and will be out to reclaim his spot in the All Blacks back three. He needs to return to the form he displayed in 2015 and he needs to get back up to speed quickly.
Aaron Cruden will be heading to Montpellier at the end of the season, and he wants to leave on a high note and earn a spot for the All Blacks against the British and Irish Lions.