Northern Edition

Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Scott Robertson's verdict on All Blacks debutants

Ruben Love of the All Blacks. Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images

The All Blacks‘ final campaign of 2024 kicked off with a hiss and a roar in Tokyo as Japan fought fire with fire early before the visitors pulled away for a big win to the tune of 64-19.

ADVERTISEMENT

Both nations blooded new talent, with tries on debut for Japanese prop Opeti Helu and a double within just three minutes for Kiwi outside back Ruben Love.

The speedster was joined by fellow Hurricanes young gun Peter Lakai as the newest members of the All Blacks fraternity, both prospects with big expectations over their respective futures in the black jersey.

Video Spacer
Video Spacer

It’s likely one or both of the rookies will spend time with the All Blacks XV over the coming month as the coaches look to develop their young stars with game time as well as training with the big dogs. As far as first steps in the international arena go, the pair impressed.

“First touch, it was a great pass from Peter,” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said after the match. “He was comfortable out there and just had immediate impact.

“Ruben Love just takes his opportunities and chances, doesn’t he? It was a great start.”

Beyond the debutants, there were five further Test rookies in the matchday 23, offering fans long-awaited glimpses at some of the next generation of talent. Robertson said he was “really pleased” with some of the performances.

“Obviously, there was a lot of opportunities for our players; some new combinations, and to start with giving these guys an opportunity means we can play pretty much our whole squad in these first two Test matches on this tour.

ADVERTISEMENT

“I was really pleased with how some stepped up to it, they’ll be better for the occasion.

“That’s a big Japanese team, I couldn’t believe how big and physical they were, and that’s ideal for us heading north.”

Related

Alluding to a return to the first-string squad in a week’s time vs England, Robertson has decisions to make around exactly what that looks like.

Some fans and pundits have read into Damian McKenzie’s selection for this contest as a sign Beauden Barrett has earned the No. 10 jersey for the Autumn Nations Series, while the inclusion of veterans Sam Cane and TJ Perenara may signal their phasing out during the upcoming slate of Tests.

ADVERTISEMENT

The coach highlighted finishing as his team’s biggest work-on after The Rugby Championship, an area he was pleased to see his side deliver in with their 11 tries.

“I thought the Test match had everything, I thought Japan’s start was superb. They wanted to play fast rugby and they did. Extremely fast.

“And then when we held the ball, we executed and we looked great. There were some great aspects in that first half and we defended for long periods in that second half but overall, we’re pleased; to finish strong and have no injuries.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Kubota Spears vs Saitama Wild Knights | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

The gruelling reality behind one of the fastest sports in the world | The Report

Boks Office | Episode 40 | The Steven Kitshoff Special

Perry Baker in the house | HSBC Life on Tour | Los Angeles

O2 Inside Line: All In | Episode 6 | Le Crunch

The Unexpected Journey to USA 7s Glory | Aaron Cummings | Sevens Wonders

USA vs Japan | Full Match Replay

Yokohama Canon Eagles vs Shizuoka BlueRevs | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Full Match Replay

Confidence knocks and finding your people | Flo Williams | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Tackling reasons for drop-out in sport | Zainab Alema | Rugby Rising Locker Room

Jet Lag: The biggest challenge facing international sports? | The Report

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

2 Comments
J
Jmann 195 days ago

That try by the Tongan hooker was absurd. He ran through 2 sheppards, one who clearly interfered with a a tackler.

J
JW 196 days ago

Their boys weren't just big they were quick too, brought a better blitz D than England! Think I saw Helu do some crazy runs at the beginning of last years JRLO season but then went off him being a potential new star if I remember rightly.


The Island boys in the loose and Waqa from lock looked to have some real ability about them too. I'd honestly prefer if Japan tried one of their own at center though, those two aren't good enough to hold others back imo.


Richie Mo'unga had Japan last time (and in a very poor performance by a much better more experienced team) and then went on to play next week against Wales and then England. So I don't think those suggesting Barrett will start have much logical thinking.

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

T
TomCruise33 2 hours ago
'Well constructed': Vern Cotter on what led to a convincing win in Fiji

Contact Mighty Hacker Recovery 4 all hacking services 2025 Reach out on Whatsapp ++14042456415

Internet scams and cybercrime have surged to concerning heights, causing chaos in lives, depleting hard-earned funds, and incapacitating companies. F R A U Dsters work in multiple forms, such as counterfeit investment sites, binary options frauds, forex trading F R A U D, and cryptocurrency scams, all aimed at deceiving unsuspecting victims

These offenders are very cunning, utilizing psychological tactics and promising unrealistic high returns to attract individuals, only to disappear with their funds. I am recounting my experience as a caution to those who might encounter comparable circumstances. I used to be a target of a meticulously planned binary options scam, in which I lost an astonishing $898,300 in B I T C O I N to a F R A U Dulent broker. Initially, all appeared to be authentic. The platform seemed credible, and the offers of substantial returns were appealing. Nevertheless, after I put my money in, the fraudsters vanished completely, leaving me helpless and heartbroken. The emotional burden was overwhelming; I felt despondent, ensnared in a loop of sadness, and uncertain if I would ever regain my lost money

Luckily, I ultimately encountered MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY, a reliable and exceptionally talented investigative and recovery firm. Their group of cybersecurity professionals focuses on monitoring and retrieving money lost to internet fraud. Thanks to their assistance, I managed to recover my stolen funds and regain control of my life. Their determination and technical know-how were truly remarkable, offering me the assistance I urgently required during a difficult period

If you or someone you know has been a target of any type of online F R A U D, whether it’s a fraudulent investment plan or crypto theft, please seek assistance right away. In these situations, timing is essential, and the quicker you respond, the better the odds of recuperation. MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY has demonstrated itself as a dependable option for numerous victims, including me. They employ sophisticated methods to track stolen money, uncover scammers, and support legal proceedings when needed

Don’t allow shame or fear to silence you; con artists flourish when their victims stay silent. To all who see this: Remain alert, perform detailed research before investing, and avoid trusting offers that appear "too good to be real." If you’ve been S C A M M E D, don’t lose hope; contact a trustworthy recovery service such as MIGHTY HAC KER RECOVERY for help. Your journey to healing might be nearer than you realize.

0 Go to comments
C
Cecilia Diesch 5 hours ago
Freddie Burns' message to prompt transfer scramble?

Online scams and cybercrime have reached alarming levels, wreaking havoc on lives, draining hard-earned savings, and crippling businesses. Fraudsters operate under various guises, including fake investment platforms, binary options scams, forex trading fraud, and cryptocurrency schemes designed to steal from unsuspecting victims. These criminals are highly sophisticated, employing psychological manipulation and making fake promises of high returns to lure people in, only to vanish with their money. I am sharing my story as a warning to others who may find themselves in similar situations. I was once a victim of a well-orchestrated binary options scam, where I lost a staggering $150,300 in Bitcoin to a fraudulent broker. At first, everything seemed legitimate. The platform appeared professional, and the promises of high returns were enticing. However, once I invested my money, the scammers disappeared without a trace, leaving me stranded and devastated. The emotional toll was unbearable; I felt hopeless, trapped in a cycle of depression, and unsure if I would ever recover my lost funds. Fortunately, I eventually met TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY, a trusted and highly skilled investigative and recovery agency. Their team of cybersecurity experts specializes in tracking and recovering funds lost to online scams. With their help, I was able to reclaim my stolen money and get my life back on track. Their persistence and technical expertise were miraculous, providing me with the support I desperately needed during a dark time. If you or someone you know has fallen victim to any form of online fraud, whether it’s a fake investment scheme or cryptocurrency theft, I urge you to seek help immediately. Time is critical in these cases, and the sooner you act, the higher the chances of recovery. TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY has proven to be a reliable solution for countless victims like me. They utilize advanced techniques to trace stolen funds, expose fraudsters, and assist in legal actions when necessary. Don’t let shame or fear keep you silent; scammers thrive when victims remain quiet. To anyone reading this: Stay vigilant, conduct thorough research before investing, and never trust opportunities that seem "too good to be true." If you’ve been scammed, don’t give up hope; contact a reputable recovery service like TECH CYBER FORCE RECOVERY for assistance. WhatsApp them at +15617263697 or Telegram at +15617263697. Your path to recovery may be closer than you think.

0 Go to comments
LONG READ
LONG READ ‘Rising force’ Proctor gives All Blacks Ioane dilemma ‘Rising force’ Proctor gives All Blacks Ioane dilemma
Search