the new recruit was initially overshadowed by the rise of All Black halfback Andrew Ellis during his first season, but still experienced international play himself in 2006, when he added a Junior All Black jersey to the senior All Black one he earned during the Bledisloe Cup Test at Eden Park in 2005. Formerly of Auckland, for whom he played nine matches, Counties Manukau (eight) and Bay of Plenty (22), Senio was a member of the Bay of Plenty side that shocked Auckland to win the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 2004. He scored a try on his Crusaders debut against the Highlanders and finished his first year with a Super 14 winner’s medallion, starting in the final against the Hurricanes after injury rubbed out Ellis.