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Where Stephen Perofeta fits into the All Blacks squad

Finlay Christie, Bryce Heem, Stephen Perofeta and Caleb Clarke celebrate. (Photo by Andrew Cornaga/Photosport)

Stephen Perofeta has been in great form for the table topping Blues team so far this season in the 15 jersey at fullback, forming a playmaking partnership with All Black first five Beauden Barrett.

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Leading on from an impressive NPC season with Taranaki last year, Perofeta was awarded the Duane Monkley Medal awarded for the most valuable player in the competition. Whether at first five in Barrett’s absence or at fullback, Perofeta has been leaving his stamp on Blues matches.

Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast, former All Black James Parsons and Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall shed light on Perofeta’s chances for All Black selection.

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James Parsons and Bryn Hall discuss all things rugby

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      James Parsons and Bryn Hall discuss all things rugby

      “I think he’s right in the selection mix,” Parsons said.

      “Long term, when you make the All Blacks it’s not just about one season. He’s had a massive season with Taranaki and now he’s just bringing that game to Super Rugby level.

      “And the confidence to step up with the grubber for Beaudy, he steps into first receiver with Beauden outside him…He’s definitely in great form and paying with confidence.

      “What the pack is putting up front is allowing these guys time. When you have guys with that sort of pace and the ability and vision to see space and bend defences, it’s all due to the fact the big boys upfront are, cleaning bodies, sucking more defences in, and creating more space on the outside.”

      Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall went up against the Blues and Perofeta just a fortnight ago and was able to analyse his game from the field and claimed it was ‘probably his best game’ for the Blues.

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      Perofeta’s form certainly seems to be trending in the right direction towards the pointy end of the Super Rugby season.

      “I think he wasn’t that bad when he played us a couple of weeks ago. Considering that was probably his best game… in the Blues’ jersey,” Hall claimed.

      “What was on the line that night and how he kind of game managed that game. The ways in which he influenced the game, I would say the game against us was probably his best.

      Perofeta’s selection for Ian Foster’s first All Blacks squad of the season may depend on whether the All Blacks take a third first five or fullback.

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      Richie Mo’ounga and Beauden Barrett are ahead of him in the pecking order as All Blacks first fives, while Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan are likely to be selected ahead of Perofeta at fullback.

      However, he may find himself selected as a third first five and fullback utility as dual cover across the two positions in a similar vein to how Damien McKenzie was at times utilised.

      If the All Blacks decide to select a third first five in their squad, one test All Black Josh Ioane remains in contention. However, Ioane is still finding his form after recently returning from injury with the Chiefs.

      The Chiefs have also started Kaleb Trask, Chase Tiatia and Emoni Narawa at fullback during the Super Rugby season, while the Highlanders have used Conor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert and Mitch Hunt as their 10 and 15.

      The Hurricanes have used Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love and Josh Moorby at fullback and Jackson Garden-Bachop and Aidan Morgan at first five.

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      Comments

      3 Comments
      G
      Guy 1009 days ago

      Definitely the most promising uncapped 10

      f
      flyinginsectshrimp 1009 days ago

      Barrett, Mounga and Perofeta at 10 - with Perofeta covering 15.

      J Barrett at 15 covering 12, Jordan at 14 covering 15.

      G
      George 1010 days ago

      Certainly Perofeta has proved himself at Super level and has done enough to warrant a trial for the ABs which is what the Super Rugby comp is.

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      Comments on RugbyPass

      J
      JW 1 hour ago
      Where is the new breed of All Black 10?

      Players like Prendergast and Finn Smith already have a few seasons at top club level under their belt and are now test players, at an age when NZ players make their debuts in SR.

      That’s just a difference in standards. You’re confusing SR for being their local domestic comps, where it’s more accurately comparable to Champions Cup, apart from that teams are happy to throw games as it’s in a bit of a limbo in terms of importance atm.


      All these kids have been playing for a comparable NPC team for years now. Sam is no where near ready for tests but he has a great temperament, much like Sextons, that makes it a good choice to speed up his development. He wasn’t even a comparable Super Rugby starter before playing for Ireland, so not a great comparison.


      Fin would be much better example, but then England don’t have 3 world class Test tens in front of him (not that I’d put Beauden their but obviously in terms of young NZ players chances, he is). Would he otherwise have debuted at the same age as Fergus Burke (injury and leaving withstanding), around 24, a couple of years later? England also aren’t as pedantic to who they give jerseys to, in NZ a test jersey is very hard earned for the most part.


      In general I think the effects are as you say, but the only difference is the money involved, as you yourself said, their paths are just as all over the show being loaned out playing for clubs etc. My solution to that, and what you perceive as the problem, would be to introduce university football that utilitizes the large investment they have into high performance sport.

      88 Go to comments
      J
      Jennifer Ross 4 hours ago
      One rule for Europe's copycats, another for the Springboks

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      Regards.

      28 Go to comments
      J
      Jennifer Ross 4 hours ago
      One rule for Europe's copycats, another for the Springboks

      The topic of recovery services and the efficacy of Wizard Hilton Cyber Tech warrants a closer examination. Recovery services are a critical component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, as they provide the means to restore systems, data, and operations in the event of a breach or other disruptive incident. Wizard Hilton Cyber Tech is a leading provider in this space, offering a suite of advanced recovery solutions designed to ensure business continuity and mitigate the potentially devastating impacts of cyber attacks. At the core of their offerings is a robust, AI-driven platform that continuously monitors systems, detects anomalies, and triggers rapid, automated recovery procedures. This allows organizations to bounce back quickly, often with minimal downtime or data loss. Wizard Hilton’s approach also emphasizes the importance of comprehensive testing and simulation, putting recovery protocols through their paces to validate effectiveness and uncover potential weaknesses. Additionally, their team of seasoned cybersecurity experts provides hands-on guidance, tailoring solutions to the unique needs of each client. By combining cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise, Wizard Hilton Cyber Tech has established itself as a trusted partner in the realm of recovery services, empowering organizations to safeguard their most valuable digital assets and ensure business resilience in the face of ever-evolving cyber threats. Contact: for assistance,

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      28 Go to comments
      J
      JW 4 hours ago
      Where is the new breed of All Black 10?

      JJ and DMac shows how little attention you actually pay to the substance of the articles.

      What do you mean by that? For lack of an answer from you I’d suggest yuo need to look at the game again and then read your article. Because although I’m not going to again but I did quickly review the videos and they all match correctly with my perception.

      JTPL is shifting towards overseas players being JQP in future

      No they’re not, thats a flatout lie Nick. You can find an article on here with their CEO where they want more out of their deals but it’s standard professional sports fair, nothing underhand like the NH does. I find that quite foul that you would share such a view.


      I suppose the new World Club League thats starting would die for the best ABs even for just a year, and probably set them up even better. Mo’unga hadn’t done enough to earn a sabbatical though. This is where NZR needs to start questioning itself. You can’t blame the player if the NZR are not even interesting in offering you a contract. In situations where say NZR aren’t able to reach 70% of the offer I think a great starting point would be for them to be treated differently than someone who just left for money. NZR could say make that player immediately eligible if NZR decide to make a fair offer and they sign to return, with players putting in their overseas contracts a right to leave early if they resign back with NZR.


      Even with Japans fading desire for sabbaticals I still think NZ can make it a good destination and have many reciprocal agreements with JRFU and the JRLO teams. The situation still very much favours NZ and Australia but it’s upto them to make the most of it or the JRFU won’t see any reason to be the ones always giving the favours.

      88 Go to comments
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