'He was into his work': Why Hoskins Sotutu is pushing for an All Black start in Bledisloe tests

World Player of the Year candidate Ardie Savea will miss at least the first game of the Bledisloe Cup tests as he flies home to Wellington for the birth of his third child, which will ensure the All Blacks select a new loose forward combination.

The All Blacks have played Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea across the back row for three tests in a row since the second test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

The star No 8’s absence, along with an injury to Frizell, has presented a rare opportunity for the younger All Blacks players to get some minutes on the international stage.

Chiefs loose forward Luke Jacobson has been called into the squad but ex-Blues teammate James Parsons on this week’s Aoteraoa Rugby Pod called for Hoskins Sotutu to get a look for a starting role based on his work on the provincial scene with Counties Manukau.

“Although Ardie’s away, waiting for his third child, he probably needs a break, he is so impressive, man he has performed so well this season,” Parsons said.

“It’s a really exciting opportunity for Hoskins, he obviously performed really well on Sunday for Counties (Manukau), I think he had 13 tackles and 13 carries. He was into his work.

“He’s energetic, he’s wanting to play some footy so it’ll be exciting to see him get some extended minutes.”

Hoskins burst onto the scene in 2020, earning a call-up to the All Blacks and starting a number of tests while injuries kept some of the more experienced loose forwards at home.

Sotutu is the only specialised No 8 in the squad named for the Bledisloe Cup. However, both Akira Ioane and the recently recalled Jacobson have both spent time in the No 8 jersey at various levels.

Regardless of who makes the starting 15, Savea has left some mighty shoes to fill.

He has made man of the match-worthy performances his benchmark this season and was a rare shining light in the disappointing series against Ireland, continuing that form throughout a Rugby Championship which has seen him play every minute of action.

Sotutu’s skillset would bring a different element to the All Blacks attack, with a midfield-like running game and passing ability, plays off set piece – especially the scrum, are areas that have seen him create many highlight plays for the Blues in Super Rugby.

The Blues No 8 has benefitted recently from the All Blacks releasing him to play for his NPC side Counties Manukau, where he’s been able to take his learnings from within the All Blacks environment and apply them in game.

Ex-Crusaders halfback and co-panelist on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod Bryn Hall discussed how it is important for the second string players to get that game time to stay fresh:

“It’s all well being in that environment, training, and being able to learn and understand what it is to be in that All Blacks environment and train at a high level but you need time in the saddle, you’d rather go play,” Hall said.

Parsons agreed the NPC was crucial for the fringe All Blacks players in the lead up to next years World Cup.

“Getting back into the NPC, getting extended minutes, you want to play yourself into form so that when the opportunity is presented, whether there’s injuries or at the end of year tour, they’re ready to go, to pull trigger and compete for a spot in that World Cup.”