As the All Blacks wrestle with tactical aerial issues, a new star, Dylan Pledger, emerges from the NPC, showcasing skills that might just be the remedy Scott Robertson has been seeking. At just 20, this scrum-half from Otago has not only excelled in the World Rugby U20 Championship but has also carried his sterling performance into the NPC, driving an underdog team to the finals.
Despite his explosive season, Pledger was notably absent from the All Blacks' touring squads, including the second-string team. This oversight could soon be corrected, as anticipation builds for his entry into Super Rugby Pacific. Rugby legend Justin Marshall sees big things ahead for Pledger, highlighting his exceptional core skills and tactical acumen. “First of all, his core skills are flawless; he’s got a good kicking game,” Marshall praised in a discussion on Sport Nation’s The Rugby Run.
“The kick is only as good as the chase but, equally, the chaser has to have something to chase; he has to have a competitive high kick where the opposition are under pressure to take it or deal with it,”
Current top pick for the All Blacks, Cam Roigard, shines as a world-class scrum-half, yet struggles in the aerial aspects of the game have been apparent. Marshall elaborates on Pledger’s potential to elevate the national team’s play, particularly through his kicking strategy which could enhance New Zealand's competitiveness in aerial battles.
Marshall didn’t stop at just Pledger’s kicking prowess. He also lauded the young player's decision-making, a critical skill for any half-back.
“His passing is great, and then the support play. The real difference that he has made for that side is he is making good decisions,”
Marshall explained. “It’s just an intelligence to know when you’ve just got to pull the trigger because you haven’t got time.”
This blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence suggests that Pledger could soon play a pivotal role for the All Blacks, especially as they look to strengthen their gameplay. With such endorsements from rugby royalty like Marshall, it’s clear that Dylan Pledger is not just a player to watch, but potentially a transformative figure for New Zealand rugby.
2,193 posts
As the All Blacks wrestle with tactical aerial issues, a new star, Dylan Pledger, emerges from the NPC, showcasing skills that might just be the remedy Scott Robertson has been seeking. At just 20, this scrum-half from Otago has not only excelled in the World Rugby U20 Championship but has also carried his sterling performance into the NPC, driving an underdog team to the finals.
Despite his explosive season, Pledger was notably absent from the All Blacks' touring squads, including the second-string team. This oversight could soon be corrected, as anticipation builds for his entry into Super Rugby Pacific. Rugby legend Justin Marshall sees big things ahead for Pledger, highlighting his exceptional core skills and tactical acumen. “First of all, his core skills are flawless; he’s got a good kicking game,” Marshall praised in a discussion on Sport Nation’s The Rugby Run.
“The kick is only as good as the chase but, equally, the chaser has to have something to chase; he has to have a competitive high kick where the opposition are under pressure to take it or deal with it,”
Current top pick for the All Blacks, Cam Roigard, shines as a world-class scrum-half, yet struggles in the aerial aspects of the game have been apparent. Marshall elaborates on Pledger’s potential to elevate the national team’s play, particularly through his kicking strategy which could enhance New Zealand's competitiveness in aerial battles.
Marshall didn’t stop at just Pledger’s kicking prowess. He also lauded the young player's decision-making, a critical skill for any half-back.
“His passing is great, and then the support play. The real difference that he has made for that side is he is making good decisions,”
Marshall explained. “It’s just an intelligence to know when you’ve just got to pull the trigger because you haven’t got time.”This blend of technical skill and tactical intelligence suggests that Pledger could soon play a pivotal role for the All Blacks, especially as they look to strengthen their gameplay. With such endorsements from rugby royalty like Marshall, it’s clear that Dylan Pledger is not just a player to watch, but potentially a transformative figure for New Zealand rugby.