Young Wellington hooker Asafo Aumua has continued his try-scoring antics in the latest round of the Mitre 10 Cup after adding a pair to his impressive tally as he came off the bench against Northland.
The 20-year-old entered the game early in the second half and made an instant impact on the game when he scored off a rolling maul his team had set up from a 5m lineout.
He added his second thanks to being in the right place at the right time when a lofted skip pass from teammate Brad Shields connected with him on the left wing where he was unmarked.
The All Blacks coach says his 37-man squad should have enough depth for both the tour and the future.
The performance in Wellington's 36-18 win could help the 20-year-old continue his push for a whirlwind spot in the All Blacks' end of year tour after national coach Steve Hansen said earlier this week he would not be taking apprentices to the northern hemisphere this year.
Hansen told media in South Africa on Monday that the system, which has helped mould current All Blacks such as Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett in recent years, won't be used this year.
"Probably not this time," Hansen replied when asked about adopting an apprentice this year.
"Thirty-seven [team slots] should allow us to have enough people there getting educated.
"There probably won't be a need for an apprentice this time."
The NZ hooker scored three tries against England in his side's 64-17 Rugby Championship final.
While the selection would be somewhat of a Cinderella story, Hansen has said he has the young Wellingtonian on his radar.
"He's playing very well, especially around the park," Hansen said last month.
"But it's his core roles you really want to see him do well in and he's doing OK in those too. He's got a big future."
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