Former All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson has identified a significant challenge facing New Zealand teams in the Super Rugby Pacific, particularly with their lineouts, highlighting it as a considerable concern for coach Dave Rennie. This season, aside from Warner Dearns of the Hurricanes, the teams appear to lack a dominant jumper, a gap keenly felt across the board.
During a recent discussion about potential newcomers to the All Blacks squad, the conversation turned to standout players, with former full-back Mils Muliaina commending Blues lock Sam Darry for his recent performances. "I think Sam Darry has just been exceptional the last few weeks… he’s one of the guys who have really started to step up," Muliaina noted on the Breakdown show. He further praised Darry's effectiveness even beyond his primary role, particularly in cleanouts.
"We need a lock, a real lineout forward to step up over the next month or so as we get closer to the All Blacks,"
Wilson stated, underscoring the urgency to fill this crucial position. The return of players like Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu from breaks and injuries is anticipated to bolster their respective teams, but the need for a consistent lineout specialist remains pressing.
In terms of emerging talent, Wilson pointed to Anton Segner, a German-born back-rower playing for the Blues, who has impressed many with his versatility and consistent performance, especially in the absence of injured teammates Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu. "He has played multiple positions... and when they’ve needed him to step up, he stepped up," Wilson remarked, highlighting Segner's adaptability and impact on the field.
As the international season approaches, the focus on these players intensifies, not just for their current contributions but for their potential to shape the future roster of the All Blacks. With strategic returns and emerging talents stepping up, the dynamic within New Zealand rugby remains as compelling and competitive as ever.
Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold, for they not only influence the outcomes of domestic leagues but also presage the strategies and strengths of national teams on the international stage.
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Former All Blacks winger Jeff Wilson has identified a significant challenge facing New Zealand teams in the Super Rugby Pacific, particularly with their lineouts, highlighting it as a considerable concern for coach Dave Rennie. This season, aside from Warner Dearns of the Hurricanes, the teams appear to lack a dominant jumper, a gap keenly felt across the board.
During a recent discussion about potential newcomers to the All Blacks squad, the conversation turned to standout players, with former full-back Mils Muliaina commending Blues lock Sam Darry for his recent performances. "I think Sam Darry has just been exceptional the last few weeks… he’s one of the guys who have really started to step up," Muliaina noted on the Breakdown show. He further praised Darry's effectiveness even beyond his primary role, particularly in cleanouts.
"We need a lock, a real lineout forward to step up over the next month or so as we get closer to the All Blacks,"
Wilson stated, underscoring the urgency to fill this crucial position. The return of players like Scott Barrett and Patrick Tuipulotu from breaks and injuries is anticipated to bolster their respective teams, but the need for a consistent lineout specialist remains pressing.In terms of emerging talent, Wilson pointed to Anton Segner, a German-born back-rower playing for the Blues, who has impressed many with his versatility and consistent performance, especially in the absence of injured teammates Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu. "He has played multiple positions... and when they’ve needed him to step up, he stepped up," Wilson remarked, highlighting Segner's adaptability and impact on the field.
As the international season approaches, the focus on these players intensifies, not just for their current contributions but for their potential to shape the future roster of the All Blacks. With strategic returns and emerging talents stepping up, the dynamic within New Zealand rugby remains as compelling and competitive as ever.
Keep an eye on these developments as they unfold, for they not only influence the outcomes of domestic leagues but also presage the strategies and strengths of national teams on the international stage.