Malakai Fekitoa is poised to be unleashed on England after All Blacks coach Steve Hansen confirmed the wrecking ball centre will be named in his squad for next month's Test series.
Hansen reckons New Zealand rugby has unearthed a gold nugget in Fekitoa, whose explosive running for the Highlanders has been a regular weekly feature in Super Rugby.
After admiring his form from afar, Hansen wanted to work with Tongan-born Fekitoa, 22, first-hand at two training camps this month to see if he is ready for the rigours of international rugby.
The answer was unequivocal.
"I've been really impressed with Malakai, he's a really sharp learner. You only have to tell him something once and he seems to pick it up pretty smartly," Hansen said.
"His form's sensational. I don't think there will be too much of a surprise when it comes to him next week."
Fekitoa shapes as a candidate to ultimately replace veteran centre Conrad Smith, 32, whose absence from last year's tour of Europe exposed a lack of depth in the position. Wing/fullback Ben Smith was forced to play there, with mixed results.
Conrad Smith says Fekitoa is clearly a massive prospect but doesn't feel any extra selection pressure, having faced competition for his position throughout much of his 75-Test career - most notably from the Japan-domiciled Richard Kahui.
Hansen says he was wary of taxing the players physically or mentally on the last day of the Wellington camp ahead of another round of Super Rugby this weekend, followed a week later by the first Test in Auckland.
The 35 wider squad players will be trimmed to 31 on Sunday, with most of the culling set to come in the forwards.
One or both of the two uncapped hookers - Liam Coltman and Nathan Harris - will make way, while loose forward numbers should be clipped, along with possibly lock and prop.
Hansen says the 31 players have already been pencilled in but is wary of the impact of injuries this weekend.
Much interest will centre on the form of No.8 Kieran Read, if selected for the Crusaders, who hasn't played since suffering concussion more than five weeks ago.
Another key All Black, five-eighth Aaron Cruden, is set to make his first start for the Chiefs in seven weeks since breaking his thumb.
His performance will be closely monitored given the form of Hurricanes playmaker Beauden Barrett.
Hansen expects 2013 world player of the year Read to start against the Western Force on Friday, having missed last weekend's game with a sinus problem.
"He's fine. He's got over his head knock well and truly."
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