'You're running out of time': Kiwi pundit calls for All Blacks to give Tuivasa-Sheck a shot

A Kiwi pundit has called for the All Blacks to call upon Roger Tuivasa-Sheck to solve their midfield crisis before it becomes too late for the rugby league convert.

Tuivasa-Sheck is currently playing for Auckland in the NPC after being released from the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad.

The former New Zealand Warrior has been limited to just one bench appearance for the All Blacks during the Irish series in July.

Sky Sport NZ’s Jeff McTainsh, a stand-in host of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, warned the All Blacks against using Jordie Barrett at second five for this week’s second Bledisloe test in Auckland when the 29-year-old Blues midfielder needs time in the saddle.

“Here’s my stance on it: you’re running out of time to look at Roger,” McTainsh told Ian Smith on his SENZ radio show.

“If you don’t give Roger a proper crack this weekend, then he might not go on the northern tour.

“They know what Jordie Barrett is about playing 12 for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

“If you really want to see what a player can do in their black jersey, you need to give them time.

“As he (Barrett) is also going to be your starting fullback for the All Blacks, then why not give Roger a crack?”

The All Blacks are in need of a new No 12 after Crusader David Havili was concussed in Melbourne and reserve Quinn Tupaea suffered a long-term knee injury.

Jordie Barrett moved into the midfield as cover during the game but head coach Ian Foster has made it clear he sees the Hurricane as a fullback.

That would present an opportunity for Tuivasa-Sheck to start his first test in front of his home crowd in Auckland.

McTainsh called for the former NRL star to be given another chance and pointed to the success of Sonny Bill Williams who made a successful transition into union.

“There’s more of an opportunity to go, he’s come across from rugby league, he’s been the talking of the town, maybe he’s got a few rough edges but most of them that cross over have.

“Look at Sonny Bill Williams when he came across to the All Blacks. I’m sure himself he’d say there was plenty to work on and he did, and he became a great number 12 with his own skillset which we hadn’t really seen.

“I think you give Roger a go, particularly if Jordie is the incumbent fullback.”