RUGBY: No pressure, but Kahn is MAC's next All Black

Everyone in Hawke's Bay rugby circles knows MAC co-coach Anthony Morley is an upbeat type of character.
Lets face it, he deserves to be this year with his team sitting in the top four of the Tui Maddison Trophy premier competition, with three wins from four rounds. Add these victories to their two registered in the Nash Cup round and that's five more wins than their winless 2009 season.
Morley told SportToday this week his club was looking forward to celebrating the selection of their first All Black halfback since the late Everard Jackson played the last of his 11 internationals in 1938 when new Hawke's Bay Magpies halfback Kahn Fotuali'i is selected for the ABs end-of-year tour. While we've all doubted Morley's optimism in the past, that's a realistic expectation.
Fotuali'i, who began training with the Magpies extended training squad and MAC side last week, was one of the in-form New Zealand halfbacks in this year's Super 14 and was unlucky not to be named in the All Blacks last month. The Crusaders star isn't getting carried away with the pressure-tainted welcome from Morley.
"First things first. I must make the Magpies and help them do well in the ITM Cup. If that goes to plan I can push for an end-of-year tour spot," said Fotuali'i.
Like returning Magpie and MAC clubmate Anthony Perenise, Fotuali'i could have been on Pacific Nations duty with Samoa this month but after discussions with family members, friends and his agent decided on making himself available for the ABs.
"Dad is from Samoa, and it's always been a dream to play for them. But at the same time it's every Kiwi kid's dream to play for the All Blacks, and that's my long-term goal," Fotuali'i, 28, told SportToday while preparing for his MAC debut in a fifth round Maddison Trophy fixture against Clive at Farndon Park today.
The former Tasman representative, who made his NPC debut in 2004 for Nelson Bays, is likely to start at first five-eighths and then move into halfback.
"I had a couple of games at first five for Tasman. It helps you realise what a first five needs and it gives you a better understanding of the combination," said Fotuali'i.
"I don't mind playing second five either ... you've got a bit more room to run there," said the Onehunga High School product who boasts tremendous pace off the mark.
The 1.80m Fotuali'i, who led the New Haven club to the United States division two title in 2002, pointed out he didn't take rugby seriously until 2005.
Until then he just liked having a good time and coming to the Bay is part of his plan to be more serious.
"Hawke's Bay has been playing well for the last few years behind a good forward pack. I wanted a challenge of being in a different environment out of my comfort zone."
With the ultra-competitive Magpies incumbent No 9 Chris Eaton of Taradale and the promising duo of Havelock North's Isaac Paewai and Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports Michael Ruru continuing to improve, Fotuali'i won't be short of competition.
Although happy with his Super 14, Fotuali'i said he could have done more.
"I know my fitness has to improve ... but you're right, the more time I got with the Crusaders the more confident I became. Because I didn't get serious until 2005 I still feel like I'm just getting started and things are falling into place."
A keen mountainbiker and "playstation worker" when he's relaxing, Fotuali'i rates two-test 2002 All Black Steve Devine as the toughest player he has marked.
No prizes for guessing the toughest stadiums he has played at - the home grounds of the Bulls and Stormers.
"In saying that, the Magpies fans were pretty passionate when I played here for Tasman last year, and I'm looking forward to having them on my side this season," he added.
While Fotuali'i is expected to attract a good crowd to Farndon Park, the biggest will be at Havelock North's Anderson Park where the unbeaten hosts will take on defending champions and second-placed Carters Frame and Truss Taradale. Other matches will see Tremains Napier Old Boys Marist host Central at Park Island, Nash Cup winners Napier Technical host Tanalised Napier Pirate Rugby and Sports at Whitmore Park and Tamatea host Russell Roads Hastings Rugby and Sports at Bill Mathewson Park in a tussle which may determine the wooden spoon holders in five weeks.