A try-scorer on his Canterbury representative debut, against Counties Manukau at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, Nasi Manu achieved the rare distinction of playing at first class level prior to playing senior club rugby. A strapping loose forward, Manu is the nephew of the former Auckland and Wallaby loose forward Daniel Manu. Another relation, Alaska Taufa, played on the wing for Wellington before continuing his career with the Ricoh club in Japan. Nasi was a star member of 2006's all-conquering Christchurch Boys’ High School first XV, New Zealand’s national champion, before spearheading New Zealand’s run to the world Under-19 title early in 2007. Manu played for the Highlanders in this season's Super 14 but was injured in the first game - against his former team the Crusaders - and missed the rest of the season.