NEW FACE: ALL BLACKS ANNOUNCES SIX NEW PARTICIPANTS FOR THE FIJI SHOWDOWN.
There will be plenty of opportunities for the six new players who will be introduced to Test match rugby on Saturday in San Diego during the Steinlager Ultra Low Carb Test against Fiji.
The selection of six rookies among the 11 alterations made to the 23 players that defeated England over the weekend was addressed by All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
“Players are chosen for a purpose. You give them a chance, and they’ve been training extremely hard for the past three or four weeks. This is a fantastic chance for some debutants to showcase their abilities.”
Robertson stated that it was a Test match and that the All Blacks respected Fiji.
“Once they get going, they can defeat anyone and disrupt the game. Over the past few years, they’ve experienced some significant defeats.
We get to know their guys extremely well from Super Rugby Pacific, and when [wing] Semi Redradra returns, you know you’re going to be in for an incredible Test match.
“We prepared, and we’ve got a good balance of experienced players and debutants.”
The novice players are flanked by more seasoned players. Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Sevu Reece flank center Billy Proctor, while halfback Cortez Ratima and first-five-eighth Damian McKenzie made a formidable combination for the Chiefs, and No. 8 Ardie Savea is also available.
“Billy is an excellent defender, very reliable, and skilled with the ball. He is gritty and a good competitor, and he can set up his outsides.
“So, you’ve got a good balance, a hard-working pack and some great players coming off the bench to make an impact.”
After his weekend cameo in Auckland, Barrett’s selection at fullback served as a reminder that a player like him can return from Japan to the highest level and demonstrate that class never goes out.
As the coach of the Crusaders, Robertson was better informed than most about the injuries that befell Blackadder, and his comeback for the first time since 2021 is greatly anticipated.
“He is fully committed, and when the whistle blows during practice or competition, he gives it his all, and his body is in good shape.
“His thinking is clear. He’s been working out with us for a while and is prepared to leave. We’re happy and thrilled for him.”
There will also be focus on the lineout, where Sam Darry will make his debut off the bench and Tupou Vaa’i will start.
The mistakes that marred the England Tests have been eliminated, and assistant coach Jason Ryan has been making sure calls are accurate.
According to Robertson, they lost a few calls in Auckland.
“We owned it, and we had to get that right. This is a significant week. You may exert pressure on teams when you secure 90–100% of the ball. Thus, it has occupied our attention.”
The game was a great opportunity for Darry and halfback Noah Hotham, who were added to the squad as injury cover, to make their debuts from the bench.
At this point, Hotham could have had to wait a bit longer, but with Findlay Christie hurt, he had his opportunity.
“He adds a unique quality to any squad with his strong skill set and outstanding running ability. He has the ability to detect opportunities.”
Darry’s decision was indicative of the nation’s locking depth. He was a member of the Blues squad from the beginning and did well for them in Super Rugby Pacific.
“He’s fully aware of how we train and he’s ready.”