Hugely promising Auckland flanker Mitch Karpik is heading down SH1 to play his Super Rugby with the Chiefs, believing it's the best place for him to develop his game.

The 20-year-old blond-haired tearaway has been one of the finds of a standout Auckland provincial season, which has seen Paul Feeney's team finish second in the premiership round-robin, and earn an Eden Park semifinal matchup against Tasman on Friday night.

But it's to the Chiefs, and not the Blues, he will head for his rookie Super Rugby season, with the world champion under-20 player confirming he had signed a two-year deal with the Hamilton-based franchise.

"It was a pretty tough call," said Karpik, who must have been targeted by Tana Umaga for the Blues as well. "Dave Rennie showed me a pathway and it was hard to say no to that to be honest."

Asked to spell out what had impressed him about the Chiefs' pitch, Karpik added: "Their loosie specific coaching, and obviously having the likes of Sam Cane as a mentor to look up to and learn from. He's the next All Black No 7 in line and there's no better person to learn from."

The reality is it's a smart move from Karpik, who is an old-school style, hard-nosed fetcher looking to add some layers to his game as he takes it up another level. The Chiefs environment, and spending every day observing up close how Cane goes about his work, is sure to bring the best out of one of New Zealand's most promising young players.

"He's played great for us, and is a very, very talented player," said Auckland coach Paul Feeney who is joining Umaga's coaching setup at the Blues next season. "Everyone has known it since New Zealand secondary school level, and before.

"You don't want to lose guys of that talent out of your region, but there will always will be some who go for whatever reason they feel they need to go for, and Mitch obviously felt he needed to have a change."

Feeney refused to label Karpik's defection an issue for the Blues, but said the fact rugby was now waving professional contracts under players' noses at a younger and younger age made it inevitable some would be lost.

That was even more pronounced in Auckland where so much of the country's best age-group talent was concentrated.

"It's a changing of the times when you look at contracting and the age of players, and the fact players don't want to bide their time with apprenticeships. I think you'll see more and more of it happening. We try to retain who we want to and I think we have a really good success rate."

But Karpik could be a good 'un that has slipped through the net. He's a dead ringer for legendary French No 7 Jean-Pierre Rives, who played 59 tests for his country between 1975 and '84, and has an abrasive style of play that's not a million miles removed.

Karpik smiles at the mention of Rives. It's a comparison he's heard before, but he admits to having no idea who the French player is (though promises to enlighten himself via YouTube).

Actually, if there's someone the rugged former Kings College standout looks up to in the modern game, it's Wallabies No 7 Michael Hooper, an admission he makes somewhat sheepishly.

"I don't support the Aussies but I enjoy his play. Just his intent, his never-say-die attitude, and how he always hangs in the fight. I don't know him off the field but on it I admire the way he plays."

But for now it's Tasman's own tough-minded loose trio who are occupying Karpik's attentions as the young Aucklanders get within a game of their goal of playing for the premiership title.

He says it's "surreal" to be out playing with and against players he was admiring only a couple of years ago as a wide-eyed schoolboy, but is thriving in a fabulous learning environment.

And he's quickly figured out the formula for Auckland in this semifinal, and beyond.

"We've said all year if we can get strong set piece and clean fast ball our backs will do the work. That's the same plan for tomorrow."

Tasman will be well advised to keep their eyes peeled for the flowing blond locks of the foraging Auckland No 7. He's a young man going places at a very fast clip.