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'Give this guy a crack': Potential All Black bolter Thomas Umaga-Jensen ready for next level
By Ben Smith
Highlanders second five-eighth Thomas Umaga-Jensen continued his form this season with a strong performance in the loss to the Hurricanes.
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The No 12 faced off with incumbent All Black Jordie Barrett and finished with 92 running metres on 11 carries and 19 tackles as one of the Highlanders’ best in a losing side.
He was able to generate double the amount of post-contact metres of his opposite highlighting his strong ball carrying ability.
With the All Blacks dealing with multiple injuries in the midfield, the 25-year-old has the chance to put his name into the ring with consistent performances.
Former All Black first five Carlos Spencer backed the bulldozing midfielder to play at the next level now, explaining that he would rise when surrounded by New Zealand’s best players.
“I think so,” he told Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown panel when asked if Umaga-Jensen is made for international rugby.
“I just think with better players around him, he can be even better.
“Just what he has shown over the last few weeks, his ball carry, this stuff here. He’s dominant in the ball carry, he makes good decisions.
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“He’s hard to bring down. So for me, yes, if there is an opportunity to give this guy a crack, I would.”
Former All Black loose forward Steven Bates was also a fan of Umaga-Jensen and rated his ability to generate gain line.
The Highlanders No 12 has the eighth-most carries in the competition with 64 over six games and has become central to the club’s set-piece launch platform.
“I like how dominant he is on the ball carry,” Bates said.
“I’ll just be honest, you played with a guy that wasn’t big in stature in Sammy T [Tuitupou].
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“I remember he just did simple things really well. I’m a big fan of Laumape as well, who played for the Canes.
“That ability just to be able to get your team back on the front foot, I reckon is a huge asset.
“I don’t know what he [Umaga-Jensen] weighs, but gee he’s a solid boy that’s for sure.”
Former Highlanders great Jeff Wilson wanted to see Umaga-Jensen develop his game more and find ways to promote the ball more often.
He has eight offloads this season but doesn’t feature in the top 10.
Starting All Black second five Jordie Barrett currently has the second most in the competition with 12.
“He would like to add to his game but the only way you can do that is by playing consistently,” Wilson said.
“He hasn’t had that opportunity. I’d like to see an offload game come into it.
“There are times where he’s got players around him, he can find, even when he goes to ground.
“That match up with Jordie Barrett, it was a good one.”
