'Look at those numbers': Billy Harmon putting All Blacks selectors on notice

The Highlanders, like the All Blacks, are beginning a new era in 2024 after farewelling a major cohort and ushering in plenty of new young talent over the offseason. That hasn't stopped them from competing though, with strong performances spearheaded by their in-form captain, Billy Harmon.

Harmon has led his side to two wins from four games, placing them sixth on the table and firmly in the hunt for the playoffs, something the team missed out on last season.

Despite some disruption in his playing time - Harmon was relegated to the bench for the round three contest against the Waratahs for being late to a team meeting - the captain has been producing at a career-best rate early in the season. That warrants an All Blacks selection discussion.

"You want to keep an eye on guys who are putting up their hand and the skipper, the Highlanders are going to need him to play like this every week because they will be disappointed they didn't get this result," former All Black Jeff Wilson told The Breakdown following the Highlanders' loss to the Brumbies.

"I just think he's been immense, I really do. He was in the conversation (for All Blacks selection) last year, and we've got to remember Sam Cane's away for the season but he's coming back. With the competition for the seven jersey, I think (Harmon is) a guy who has some versatility, carries strongly, just look at those numbers; 26 from 26 (tackles). That's outstanding in terms of tackle accuracy.

"Once again, I'd like to highlight guys who are putting up their hand. He's a guy doing it not just this season, he did it last season. He'll be, I think, in the conversation right now."

In 2023, Harmon was a standout for the All Blacks XV after earning selection for the second consecutive year. He was one of just two loose forwards to be selected in both of the team's campaigns, proving his consistency has been noted by All Blacks selectors in the past.

Absolutely NOBODY is stopping Billy Harmon 😤😤#HIGvBRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/8OlzlIc3Xv

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) March 16, 2024

While Harmon is leading from the front for the Highlanders' next generation, Wilson's co-panellist Sir John Kirwan expressed more hesitancy over his potential All Blacks selection.

"I agree with you, I think the problem he might have - and I mean I never made 26 tackles in my whole career - is you've got these young guys coming through, like Peter Lakai. Six, seven and eight, for New Zealand, we just keep producing them. So, if he keeps performing like that, it's going to be interesting."

Lakai isn't the only loose forward impressing for the Hurricanes, with previous All Blacks XV selectee Duplessis Kirifi also having joined the All Blacks environment briefly in 2020. At No. 8, another youngster has been impressing while stepping into the almighty boots of reigning World Rugby Player of the Year Ardie Savea.

"It's nice to see. I think that combination, particularly at the Hurricanes, the loose forward trio, the three of them, they've got Brad Shields to come back into the mix who's actually the team captain right now. Is he going to fit?

"Brayden Iose, how fast is he? How athletic? It's not the first time we've talked about him. We had a chat to him after the game (against the Crusaders), he's really level headed, really understands what his role is. It's just great to see when you lose an Ardie Savea and you're wondering where the impact's going to come from, Iose's just been waiting and ready to go."