Rugby: Call to captain the Steelers in ITM Cup comes as a priviledge and surprise for Tupou

Jimmy Tupou acknowledges the depth in the Steelers pack, but knows this team seeks consistency in the Premiership. Photo / Richard Robinson

Jimmy Tupou, 23 on Saturday, is the new Steelers rugby skipper, and admits it was something of a surprise.

The Crusaders lock/No6 has racked up 30 games for the Counties Manukau union and with 2014 captain Ronald Raaymakers' shoulder surgery ruling him out for the ITM Cup season, Tupou got the nod.

"I feel quite privileged to get the captaincy. There are a lot of leaders in our group, so my job will be pretty easy," says Tupou.

He wore the No6 jersey in the Steelers' 35-10 pre-season loss to Taranaki on Saturday in Otorohanga, but coach Tana Umaga also has to try to fit Jordan Taufua and Ma'ama Vaipulu into the loose trio, plus Vili Rarasea, Sikeli Nabou and Mike Lawrenson in the locking stocks. Sounds like a good headache.

Tupou acknowledges the depth in the Steelers pack, but knows this team seeks consistency in the Premiership.

They gave Wellington and Auckland hidings last year, but had started slowly, losing the Ranfurly Shield to Hawkes Bay (ending a six-match tenure) before a withering late run produced four wins on the bounce. Still, fifth place was not where they wanted to be after reaching the semis in 2013.

"We definitely need to be more consistent. We need to start well. We were slow last year and finished real strong," said Tupou.

"We loved having the Shield, but any team that has it is going to feel the pressure of having it. But we held it for six defences, a history-making team in this union, so we are very proud of what we achieved."

Tupou is again feeling fresh after a Crusaders campaign in which he was used sparingly, behind Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano, but he is signed to them for another year so doesn't feel the burden of having to play for another contract. On Friday, at Pukekohe's ECOLight Stadium, he will meet a few of his franchise mates when Canterbury come to town to complete their pre-season programme. Kickoff is at 3pm.

The Steelers open their ITM Cup on August 16 hosting the newly promoted Manawatu Turbos.