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New Zealand-born utility back wants No. 12 jersey at Brumbies

(Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

New Zealand-born centre Ollie Sapsford has set his sights on the No. 12 jersey at the ACT Brumbies ahead of the new Super Rugby campaign.

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The Brumbies have been one of the more consistent Super Rugby sides on either side of the Tasman for quite some time now.

After winning the Super Rugby AU final against the Queensland Reds in 2020, the Brumbies returned to the big dance a year later before facing New Zealand for the first time in a couple of years.

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In last year’s Super Rugby Pacific season, the Brumbies fell agonisingly short of another final – losing eventual runners-up the Blues 20-19 in Auckland.

It was in that game that a rising star, who has a unique story, received his first opportunity to start a Super Rugby match.

Utility back Ollie Sapsford started at outside centre for the famous Australian franchise after Len Ikitau was suspended.

After getting a taste of first XV rugby with the Brumbies, Sapsford admitted that he’s “had my eyes” on the No. 12 jersey following Irae Simone’s departure.

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“I had my eyes (on the 12 jersey) last year. I was really lucky to work ‘E’ when he was here and he taught me a lot,” Sapsford said.

“He’s a good bloke and have an exceptional year last year.

“I learnt a lot from him and Len (Ikitau), who I’m looking forward to keep learning from, but I’d be lying if I said my eyes weren’t on it.

“It’s all about building from last year. I really enjoyed my first year here, and ticked off a lot of goals I’ve been working towards.

“We didn’t get the result (last year) and then I went back to NZ to carry on with Mitre 10 so I didn’t get to reflect until I came eyehere in December.

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“I was really proud (to start in the semi) of the moment. It was unfortunate what happened to Len the week before but I have been waiting for my opportunity and it came.

“I was really excited and happy with how it all went but this year is another year and I just want to keep building from where we left off.”

The Brumbies will also be without Wallabies Tom Banks. Folau Fainga’a and Scott Sio, who all left the club after last year’s Super Rugby campaign.

But these departures will also lead to opportunities for others – including Sapsford.

As reported by the Canberra Times, New Zealand-born Sapsford was playing Aussie Rules in Western Australia when he decided to chase his rugby dream once again.

After playing for Hawks Bay in the provincial competition in New Zealand, as well as being a contracted player with the All Blacks Sevens team, the 27-year-old started his first Super Rugby match last year.

“Last year we were quite fortunate to have the same players on the field week-in, week-out,” assistant coach Rob Seib said.

“Guys like Ollie (Sapsford) on the fringe probably didn’t get the minutes they would’ve liked so I know with more opportunity he’s going to excel.

“He’s someone who has impressed with the condition he’s come back from pre-season. He’s hitting PBs, decision-making is really sharp and he’s someone in the group that can impress if given the opportunity.”

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O
Oh no, not him again? 2 hours ago
England internationals disagree on final play execution vs All Blacks

Okay, so we blew it big time on Saturday. So rather than repeating what most people have all ready said, what do I want to see from Borthwick going forward?


Let's keep Marcus Smith on the pitch if he's fit and playing well. I was really pleased with his goal kicking. It used to be his weakness. I feel sympathy for George Ford who hadn't kicked all match and then had a kick to win the game. You hear pundits and commentators commend kickers who have come off the bench and pulled that off. Its not easy. If Steve B continues to substitute players with no clear reason then he is going to get criticised.


On paper I thought England would beat NZ if they played to their potential and didn't show NZ too much respect. Okay, the off the ball tackles certainly stopped England scoring tries, but I would have liked to see more smashing over gainlines and less kicking for position. Yes, I also know it's the Springbok endorsed world cup double winning formula but the Kiwi defence isn't the Bok defence, is it. If you have the power to put Smith on the front foot then why muzzle him? I guess what I'm saying is back, yourself. Why give the momentum to a team like NZ? Why feed the beast? Don't give the ball to NZ. Well d'uh.


Our scrum is a long term weakness. If you are going to play Itoje then he needs an ogre next door and a decent front row. Where is our third world class lock? Where are are realible front row bench replacements? The England scrum has been flakey for a while now. It blows hot and cold. Our front five bench is not world class.


On the positive side I love our starting backrow right now. I'd like to see them stick together through to the next world cup.


Anyway, there is always another Saturday.

7 Go to comments
C
CO 2 hours ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

Robertson is more a manager of coaches than a coach so it comes down to intent of outcomes at a high level. I like his intent, I like the fact his Allblacks are really driving the outcomes however as he's pointed out the high error rates are not test level and their control of the game is driving both wins and losses. England didn't have to play a lot of rugby, they made far fewer mistakes and were extremely unlucky not to win.


In fact the English team were very early in their season and should've been comfortably beaten by an Allblacks team that had played multiple tests together.


Razor has himself recognised that to be the best they'll have to sort out the crisis levels of mistakes that have really increased since the first two tests against England.


Early tackles were a classic example of hyper enthusiasm to not give an inch, that passion that Razor has achieved is going to be formidable once the unforced errors are eliminated.


That's his secret, he's already rebuilt the passion and that's the most important aspect, its inevitable that he'll now eradicate the unforced errors. When that happens a fellow tier one nation is going to get thrashed. I don't think it will be until 2025 though.


The Allblacks will lose both tests against Ireland and France if they play high error rates rugby like they did against England.


To get the unforced errors under control he's going to be needing to handover the number eight role to Sititi and reset expectations of what loose forwards do. Establish a clear distinction with a large, swarthy lineout jumper at six that is a feared runner and dominant tackler and a turnover specialist at seven that is abrasive in contact. He'll then need to build depth behind the three starters and ruthlessly select for that group to be peaking in 2027 in hit Australian conditions on firm, dry grounds.


It's going to help him that Savea is shifting to the worst super rugby franchise where he's going to struggle behind a beaten pack every week.


The under performing loose forward trio is the key driver of the high error rates and unacceptable turn overs due to awol link work. Sititi is looking like he's superman compared to his openside and eight.


At this late stage in the season they shouldn't be operating with just the one outstanding loose forward out of four selected for the English test. That's an abject failure but I think Robertson's sacrificing link quality on purpose to build passion amongst the junior Allblacks as they see the reverential treatment the old warhorses are receiving for their long term hard graft.


It's unfortunately losing test matches and making what should be comfortable wins into nail biters but it's early in the world cup cycle so perhaps it's a sacrifice worth making.


However if this was F1 then Sam Cane would be Riccardo and Ardie would be heading into Perez territory so the loose forwards desperately need revitalisation through a rebuild over the next season to complement the formidable tight five.

28 Go to comments
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