All Blacks great: The ‘big mover’ who is ready for Test rugby after ‘stepping up big time’ in 2025

All Blacks great Murray Mexted has singled out a Highlanders forward for praise and believes that he has put himself in contention for the France series.

Lock Fabian Holland has enjoyed a superb campaign for the South Island outfit despite the team’s struggles and could well find himself featuring for Scott Robertson’s side later this year.

The 22-year-old, who was rather aptly born in the Netherlands, qualifies through residency and has impressed with his work in both the loose and the tight.

Called up to All Blacks training squad

Holland was involved with the All Blacks squad last year, joining up with Robertson’s team as injury cover, but he did not earn a Test cap.

However, Mexted would not be surprised to see that change in 2025 after watching his performances for the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific.

“Holland, in fact, is a big mover,” he told DSPN with Martin Devlin.

“I think Holland has been absolutely outstanding. He’s stepped up big time from what he was last year. He’s now competing, he’s now saying to everybody, ‘hey, I’m not a boy from out of town who’s come here to learn about rugby. I’ve learnt about rugby and I can match it with the best of you.’

“That’s what he’s saying to me when I watch him.”

All Blacks hopefuls sign contract extensions with the Highlanders

Holland is not necessarily on every observer’s list of potential All Blacks bolters and Mexted duly called out some of his fellow pundits for ignoring him.

“Every time I listen to these analysts, I shake my head, especially when you’ve got wingers and full-backs picking loose forwards and front-row forwards,” he said.

“Everyone forgets that you’ve got to have the ball, it’s pretty bloody simple. Who’s going to win you the ball? Most of the time [it’s those up front].

“The way you play the game affects who holds possession and how long you hold the ball for.”

New deal alongside Tavatavanawai

Most pundits do have Timoci Tavatavanawai in their squad, however, with the Highlanders co-captain producing a series of stunning displays this year.

Tavatavanawai and Holland both signed new contracts at the South Island outfit to keep them tied to the franchise until at least the end of 2027 and 2028 respectively.

Mexted is a fan of the centre, who moved from wing at the start of the year in what was an inspired call from Jamie Joseph.

“Tavatavanawai played well last year and he’s obviously got some leadership skills as well, otherwise Jamie wouldn’t have backed him, and now they’ve signed him on and he’s making a big difference in the midfield,” he added.

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