Take 5: Coming into view on Razor’s radar
Scott Robertson didn’t win seven championships in seven seasons with the Crusaders by being faint of heart when it comes to backing his instincts and taking a punt on unproven but promising rugby players.
And now he’s instilled as All Blacks head coach for the next four years, at least, it’s hard to see the breakdancing, wave-riding free spirit suddenly going into his shell. You are what you are, and Robertson is a guy who backs his hunches and his judgement (George Bridge and George Bower a couple of cases in point at the ‘Saders).
With the departure of senior All Blacks such as Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga and Dane Coles, season-ending injuries to Will Jordan, Cam Roigard and Braydon Ennor, and even the uncertain status of Japanbased returnees Beauden Barrett and Sam Cane (both out long-term with afflictions), it is certain that Robertson is going to have to usher in a new wave of talent for the July tests against England and Fiji.
It’s from about now that Super Rugby really comes under the microscope as prospects fully emerge and pretenders morph into genuine contenders.
All Blacks coaches always put more emphasis on the business end of the franchise competition, rather than early on, as the fresher types really get put to the test.
The undefeated Hurricanes, 6-0 through an imperious beginning, are probably throwing up the most serious contenders in terms of uncapped prospects, but the Blues, Chiefs, Highlanders and even the staggering Crusaders are all showcasing bright prospects among their number.
So here then are five uncapped players who might just be playing their way into All Blacks contention during Super Rugby Pacific:
You have to love this guy who has been one of the success stories from the standout franchise of Super Rugby Pacific thus far, and must be playing his way into contention for the back-three mix for July.
The 22-year-old fullback plays with a refreshing verve and swerve, and his attacking instincts and athletic attributes have been well harnessed by a Canes outfit keen to use width at every opportunity. His positional play has been on point and kicking skills impressive.
Love is not the only Hurricanes back putting his hand up – Roigard pre-injury, Billy Proctor, Josh Moorby and Kini Naholo have all been impressive – but he does hold plenty of appeal in a position thrown wide open by Jordan’s absence.
The stats back up what the eye test tells you too. He has run for 471 metres, with 14 defenders beaten and 7 clean breaks, in his five appearances.
Only Moorby (491) and Brayden Iose (473) have carried for more.
Sure, he’s young and raw, and maybe a trifle undersized for test footy (1.83m and 90kg). But there’s just something about this young man that screams top-end quality. Can’t hurt to take a peek.
In a position thrown open by the season-ending injury to Roigard, this talented Chiefs halfback must now come under the microscope.
Fin Christie, TJ Perenara and Folau Fakatava all probably sit ahead of him on the pecking order, but this 23-year-old running No 9 might be only an injury away from a dramatic callup.
Granted, he isn’t even a regular starter at the Chiefs, with Xavier Roe often getting the nod, but the X-factor, speed and strength (he can bench press 170kg) of this young man hint at an ability to rise to the challenge of the next level.
Probably sits on a tier with young Crusaders distributor Noah Hotham as one for the future, but Ratima’s edge in experience and the durability of his physique suggests he might be worth a roll of the dice should the situation call for it.
It’s tough to separate Iose and fellow Canes loosie Peter Lakai in the rising young stars category. They’ve both been impressive as heck through the 6-0 start, and have assuredly catapulted themselves into the national conversation.
But Iose, at 25, and with 31 appearances for the franchise under his belt, might just be the more ready for the step up. Lakai, at just 21, looks a warm prospect for the future. Maybe the No 8’s time is now.
Iose has great footspeed for a loose forward and has used it to telling affect in his six appearances this season, running for 473m, shedding 21 defenders and nailing 62 tackles, while missing just five. There are plenty of loose forward contenders around the
Kiwi game, but none have set the pulses racing like this young man has with ball in hand this season.
The 22-year-old hooker has been considered an international prospect for a year or two now, and is reputed to possess the sort of engine that forwards coaches drool over.
The Crusaders’ struggles in ‘24 probably haven’t helped his cause, and he’s lacked a rhythm early on. His misfire against the Blues, when the red-and-blacks lost nine lineouts on their own throw, might have given some pause for thought.
But there were signs in the Crusaders’ first victory of the season over the Chiefs that he’s found his groove, and a continuation of that would surely have him nipping at the heels of incumbents Codie
Taylor and Samisoni Taukei’aho, and the Hurricanes’ Asafo
Aumua, who probably sit ahead of him.
Both Robertson and his forwards coach, Jason
Ryan, know Bell well, and will have a fine feel for his upside.
Don’t be surprised if he gets a look in sooner, rather than later.
There might be a spot open in the national midfield mix behind cast-iron incumbents Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown. If so, Robertson could do a lot worse than give this 24-year-old game-changer a crack.
Robertson’s backs guru, Jason Holland, is also familiar with the Proctor game from his time in the capital, and can no doubt testify to his readiness.
Proctor has looked the goods so far in ‘24. He runs hard (337m for the season in 5 games, with 14 defenders beaten), tackles well (53 made, 6 not) and has a physical robustness that looks tailor-made for the test arena.
The Hurricanes No 13 faces some stiff competition from the likes of Quinn Tupaea and Dallas McLeod, but if he can continue this impressive form on a protracted finals run, it might be hard to ignore his claims.