In a move that blindsided many, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has opted for Leroy Carter on the left wing against the Springboks, sidelining seasoned players like Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, and Leicester Fainga’anuku. Robertson’s choice signals a bold shift as Carter, a relative newcomer from the Chiefs, leapfrogs over established names in a high-stakes match.
Rieko Ioane, despite being a fixture in the lineup when healthy, has seen a dip in form over the last year, prompting Robertson to pass the baton. Ioane's recent struggles opened the door for Carter, initially a scrum-half, who has dazzled in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season, driving his team to the finals. His explosive pace and fresh legs have evidently caught the coach's eye.
Although Clarke has been a powerhouse for the All Blacks, especially after a standout 2024, his recent injury woes and a shaky start to the Rugby Championship saw him sidelined. "Caleb’s just come back into the environment after a long time out. He’s had a couple of great games [in the NPC] and done everything he needs to," Robertson explained. However, the decision was made to allow Clarke more time to acclimate. "He turned up late on Monday and we just felt the best thing for him is to get his feet underneath him and have a good training week," added Robertson.
"They were close calls those."
Leicester Fainga’anuku, fresh from an 18-month stint with French club Toulon, was also considered. His recent shift to playing center in Europe might have skewed his chances for this particular match, as Robertson favored continuity within the group.
While Robertson's decisions might raise eyebrows, they open a narrative of regeneration and tactical audacity within the All Blacks squad. Ioane, Clarke, and Fainga’anuku will likely get their chance to shine later in the season, but for now, it’s Carter who will have the opportunity to prove his mettle on the international stage. As for Ioane, Robertson has laid out clear expectations: "There’s one-on-one technical stuff that everyone has to grow in their game. We’ve obviously given him a crack at wing. His work ethic, his work off the ball has been incredible but there are a few touches that we need to improve, which he’s well aware of."
Robertson's strategic gamble underlines his vision for a dynamic and resilient All Blacks side, capable of adapting and evolving in the face of fierce international competition.
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In a move that blindsided many, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has opted for Leroy Carter on the left wing against the Springboks, sidelining seasoned players like Rieko Ioane, Caleb Clarke, and Leicester Fainga’anuku. Robertson’s choice signals a bold shift as Carter, a relative newcomer from the Chiefs, leapfrogs over established names in a high-stakes match.
Rieko Ioane, despite being a fixture in the lineup when healthy, has seen a dip in form over the last year, prompting Robertson to pass the baton. Ioane's recent struggles opened the door for Carter, initially a scrum-half, who has dazzled in his debut Super Rugby Pacific season, driving his team to the finals. His explosive pace and fresh legs have evidently caught the coach's eye.
Although Clarke has been a powerhouse for the All Blacks, especially after a standout 2024, his recent injury woes and a shaky start to the Rugby Championship saw him sidelined. "Caleb’s just come back into the environment after a long time out. He’s had a couple of great games [in the NPC] and done everything he needs to," Robertson explained. However, the decision was made to allow Clarke more time to acclimate. "He turned up late on Monday and we just felt the best thing for him is to get his feet underneath him and have a good training week," added Robertson.
"They were close calls those."
Leicester Fainga’anuku, fresh from an 18-month stint with French club Toulon, was also considered. His recent shift to playing center in Europe might have skewed his chances for this particular match, as Robertson favored continuity within the group.
While Robertson's decisions might raise eyebrows, they open a narrative of regeneration and tactical audacity within the All Blacks squad. Ioane, Clarke, and Fainga’anuku will likely get their chance to shine later in the season, but for now, it’s Carter who will have the opportunity to prove his mettle on the international stage. As for Ioane, Robertson has laid out clear expectations: "There’s one-on-one technical stuff that everyone has to grow in their game. We’ve obviously given him a crack at wing. His work ethic, his work off the ball has been incredible but there are a few touches that we need to improve, which he’s well aware of."
Robertson's strategic gamble underlines his vision for a dynamic and resilient All Blacks side, capable of adapting and evolving in the face of fierce international competition.