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Scott Robertson's verdict on All Blacks debutants
By Ned Lester
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.
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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.
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.
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“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.”
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.
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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.”
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That try by the Tongan hooker was absurd. He ran through 2 sheppards, one who clearly interfered with a a tackler.
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.