While 2020 has been tough for everyone, there's still been some positives to come out of it - especially for Patrick Tuipulotu.
The Blues captain led his squad to their best campaign in years, playing an integral role as a leader both on and off the field that led to his appointment as captain of the North representative team ahead of this Saturday's clash.
He backed up that leadership with impressive performances in game as well, making the Super Rugby Aotearoa Team of the Tournament alongside Sam Whitelock in the locks.
Asked what helped him level up this year after going through multiple seasons as a fringe player in the All Blacks environment, Tuipulotu said it was all in his head.
"There was a lot of work that went in behind the scenes to get the Blues where they are now and me where I am now," he said.
"There's a lot of guys working to help me... For myself, I've just seen it as a way to step forward and step up to anything that comes my way.
"It's not going to change anything about how I go about my work now. It's probably a mindset I should've had a couple of years ago, but another year wiser helps."
And on top of all his rugby success, Tuipulotu found out this year he's going to be a father for the first time with partner Phoenix Karaka of the Silver Ferns.
Phoenix Karaka and Tuipulotu are expecting their first child. (Source: Other)
"She’s four months in,” Tuipulotu said last month.
“New perspective on life, looking forward to something new and another step forward, I guess.”
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