The rise of 'The Forgotten Dixon'

The Hawkes Bay boys Highlander's Brendon Edmonds, Ash Dixon and Richard Buckman celebrate after wining the Super Rugby final. Photo / Darren Taumata.

Ash Dixon is unconcerned at his fast-growing reputation of being 'The Forgotten Dixon.'

While Elliot Dixon has, justifiably, been commanding recent headlines with decisive tries in the Super Rugby final and in the Maori All Blacks' international against Fiji, his franchise and Maori teammate has quietly gone about his business, showing up around the field with his mobile, rugged and skilled play.

"It doesn't worry me. Elliot deserves all the praise he's been getting lately. He's been outstanding this year and he's a big part of this team too."

Mind you, there was little 'quiet' about the 26-year-old hooker's tremendous 70-minute display against Fiji in the No 2 jersey. It is a continuation of a season where Dixon added maximum impact off the Highlanders' bench, and made several starts, including one stint with the captaincy armband.

Not that he sees this Saturday's looming clash with Highlanders teammate Liam Coltman as a personal clash, or a chance to get one up.

"It's all about the team, to be honest. Wearing the Maori jersey is massive, in my book. That gets me motivated, but both Liam and James Parsons are very good players. You just go out there and do your job," said Dixon, who is vying for the Maori jersey with his old New Zealand Under 20s teammate Quentin MacDonald.

His old Hawke's Bay mate Hika Elliot might have offered further competition but he was in the All Blacks squad.

The Maori are playing their first game in New Zealand since 2010, and it will also be another homecoming of sorts for Dixon, who played 23 games for Auckland between 2010-11 out of the University club, and called Eden Park home.

"I love playing at Eden Park. The changing rooms are awesome and hopefully we get a bit of support. Auckland is like my third home, I guess. I thoroughly enjoyed my two years here."

Playing in front of friends and family is a major attraction.

More of the second half against Fiji will be needed for more of the game against the Barbarians, who will be fitter than the Flying Fijians. Not to mention a stiffer set-piece, as Dixon proffers.

Maori assistant coach Tabai Matson likes what he sees with Dixon's play.

"It shows you the calibre of that Highlanders' playing group, with him being second fiddle. But he had a strong game on the weekend and clearly he's a guy for the future.

He'll only get better and better playing at this level."

As for Dixon's rugby plans post this weekend, that might depend on a post-match chat with Barbarians assistant and his Hawke's Bay provincial coach Craig Philpott. The Magpies have a July 23 Ranfurly Shield defence against Mid Canterbury.

"There's a couple of pints on the line (on Saturday). Hopefully we win, so he can shout. He's got gorse pockets!

"It'd be good to get back to the Bay. I love it there. I might need a couple of weeks off to be fizzing for ITM Cup. But I hope the boys go well (in tomorrow's defence against Horowhenua Kapiti)," said Dixon.