All Blacks: The 7 players Scott Robertson could launch in 2024

There are just over 2 months left until Scott Robertson’s official debut on the bench of the All Blacks, who will play on Saturday 6 July in Dunedin against England: the New Zealand coach is called upon to reopen a cycle after the controversial management of Foster, who after so many controversies and many difficulties, he came close to winning the World Cup, losing 12-11 in a final played for most of the time with 14 men. The New Zealand summer could be very full of new things, and according to Planet Rugby There are 7 players who could join the All Blacks squad. Some are making their debut, others have already worn the black shirt but never continuously.

Read also: Ronan O’Gara has revealed his future ambitions

Hoskins Sotutu

The number 8 of the Blues is playing an amazing Super Rugby: power, dynamism, work in the middle of the field and a habit of scoring (8 so far), Sotutu already has 14 appearances with the All Blacks, but has never had a real continuity from 2020 to today. In these 4 years he has been in the New Zealand group in bits and pieces, but he is a player who Robertson could give a great opportunity to this summer.

Ruben Love

With the injury of Will Jordan, who will be out all summer, the battle opens for a place in the All Blacks’ extended triangle. One of the main candidates is Ruben Love, a 22-year-old winger from the Hurricanes: electric and able to move in tight spaces, he could be a good change for a New Zealand that will have to do without one of its most representative players.

Cortez Ratima

Robertson has to solve the scrum half problem: Aaron Smith has left international activity and Cam Roigard is injured. This paves the way both for a possible return of TJ Perenara and for the possible debut of Cortez Ratima, the quick and intelligent scrum-half of the Chiefs, who could also be advantaged by the possible use of Damien McKenzie at 10, with whom he already works steady couple in the club.

Xavier Numia

The left prop is among the protagonists of the Hurricanes’ journey to the top of the table since the beginning of the season. In addition to his solidity in the scrum, Xavier Numia also guarantees a lot of work in the meeting point and in defense. Of course, he has great competition ahead of him (De Groot above all) but the not very low average age of the New Zealand props will push Robertson to also do some experiments, and the 25-year-old Numia could be ready for the level.

Peter Lakai

At home he is considered the heir of Ardie Savea. Now, without bothering with excellent comparisons, it must be said that Peter Lakai has already earned a leading role in Super Rugby despite being in his first season, and only last year he played in the Under 20 World Cup. The Hurricanes flanker is forging ahead and his name is in Scott Robertson’s notebook: it will be necessary to understand whether he will launch him immediately or give him further time to grow.

Brayden Iose

Another third line. Indeed, another third line of the Hurricanes, just to make clear the devastating work of the league leaders’ forwards. Brayden Iose can play both flanker and number 8, and is doing so at a crazy pace: he has always been a great worker in the middle of the field, but this year he has also shown improvement in advancing ball in hand in attack, with 26 defenders beaten in the current Super Rugby season.

Samipeni Finau

Only one appearance with the All Blacks and one try, decisive for the 23-20 success over Australia last summer: Samipeni Finau, second and third line of the Chiefs, after having experienced the training camp for the Rugby World Cup, has all the intention to enter the New Zealand group on a permanent basis. A devastating tackler and capable of covering many roles in the scrum package, the forward of Tongan origin could rise in Robertson’s hierarchy.

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