New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adern doesn't often capture the headlines in the rugby world, but one South African admits to being a big fan of the leader of the coalition government.
Former South African Sevens captain Mpho Mbiyozo emigrated to New Zealand last year and has witnessed Adern's style in handling both the 2019 mosque attacks and the Covid-19 crisis. He is head coach of Christchurch's Belfast Rugby Club.
Mbiyozo told Sport24, "I think she's amazing.
"The way she's handled this whole situation, with the government, has just been brilliant. It's the second major thing I've witnessed since getting here last year.
"The way they've gone about it, how decisive they were, has been brilliant. It's nothing short of amazing. In saying that, you've got to commend the people of New Zealand," he said.
The way New Zealand had handled the 'Team of five million' concept had been outstanding and had been central to overcoming Covid-19, he said.
"A few citizens, like the older generation, are not big fans of hers – which is the norm in any political situation, you can't have everyone vouching for you. But as an outsider, I commend and I applaud Jacinda," he said.
"They've done an incredible job and as a result, everything is back to normal."
Comparisons between New Zealand and his home country of South Africa were too difficult to make, he said.
"The social issues between the two countries are very different.
"You're also talking about an island of five million people, whereas in South Africa the population is 57 million-plus.
"It's always going to be a major issue and a struggle because of the socio-economic state that side [South Africa].
"Here in New Zealand, pretty much everyone has a job and if you don't, the government takes care of you.
"For lack of a better word, it's easier to control a population of five million than 57million people," he said.
Especially impressive, Mbiyozo said, was the support rugby had enjoyed since the start of Super Rugby Aotearoa.
"For 40-odd days, people were starved of live sport. This again goes to show how big a role sport plays in our society," he said.