British and Irish Lions

The 22-year-old has returned stronger and fitter after a disappointing 2004, which saw him dropped by the Hurricanes and unable to retain his place in the All Blacks side.

But the burly wing is back to his best and challenging for a place in this year's New Zealand squad to face the British & Irish Lions.

He followed up a superb try against the Highlanders 10 days ago with three in the second half against the defending champions as the Hurricanes swept aside the Brumbies 49-37.

The second was easily the pick, as he beat three defenders to score in the left-hand corner.

"He can step off both feet, he can fend and go straight through you," Cooper told The Dominion Post.

"He has a lot of qualities, an arsenal if you like. It was just a matter of giving him space.

"He's the best line breaker in the world; it's about getting him quality ball. He can beat most people in the world one-on-one."

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.