Former All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald is buzzing about Caleb Tangitau's explosive performances for the Highlanders in this season's Super Rugby Pacific, tipping the dynamic winger for an All Blacks jersey. Tangitau, having switched from the Blues, has been tearing up the field with eight tries in nine games, including crucial scores in recent tight contests against the champions in Christchurch and the Chiefs in Dunedin.
Under Jamie Joseph’s mentorship, the 22-year-old, a formidable presence at 98 kilograms and 188 centimeters, has been a revelation. Notably, his dramatic try in the dying minutes against the Chiefs encapsulated his impact, where he broke through from 40 meters out to score, almost turning the game on its head. “There was something about that try from Tangitau, when he just said: ‘Right, we need something’. There was five minutes to go, two converted tries to win them the game, he just went bang!” Donald recounted on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav.
"I think certainly if he was on the radar of whoever our next All Black coach is gonna be, I think he’s properly in consideration now,”
Despite the recent upheaval in the All Blacks coaching staff, with Scott Robertson's departure and the search for his successor ongoing, Donald believes Tangitau’s form can’t be ignored. He drew parallels between Tangitau and All Blacks stalwart Will Jordan, noting both players’ size and ability to shrug off tackles. “What’s probably underestimated if you have never seen him live, is how big he is and I mentioned yesterday, when you see Will Jordan live, he’s a big unit through the hips and the legs and Tangitau is not too dissimilar,” Donald explained.
Moreover, Donald praised the conditions at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, which he believes are ideal for a player of Tangitau’s calibre. “He’s playing at the best arena in the world to be an outside back who plays on top of the ground," he noted, highlighting the hard, fast surface that complements the Highlanders' dynamic backline.
As the rugby world watches, Tangitau’s blend of speed, power, and timely tries continues to make a strong case for his inclusion in the national squad. His trajectory suggests that an All Blacks call-up might not just be possible but inevitable.
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Former All Blacks fly-half Stephen Donald is buzzing about Caleb Tangitau's explosive performances for the Highlanders in this season's Super Rugby Pacific, tipping the dynamic winger for an All Blacks jersey. Tangitau, having switched from the Blues, has been tearing up the field with eight tries in nine games, including crucial scores in recent tight contests against the champions in Christchurch and the Chiefs in Dunedin.
Under Jamie Joseph’s mentorship, the 22-year-old, a formidable presence at 98 kilograms and 188 centimeters, has been a revelation. Notably, his dramatic try in the dying minutes against the Chiefs encapsulated his impact, where he broke through from 40 meters out to score, almost turning the game on its head. “There was something about that try from Tangitau, when he just said: ‘Right, we need something’. There was five minutes to go, two converted tries to win them the game, he just went bang!” Donald recounted on The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav.
"I think certainly if he was on the radar of whoever our next All Black coach is gonna be, I think he’s properly in consideration now,”
Despite the recent upheaval in the All Blacks coaching staff, with Scott Robertson's departure and the search for his successor ongoing, Donald believes Tangitau’s form can’t be ignored. He drew parallels between Tangitau and All Blacks stalwart Will Jordan, noting both players’ size and ability to shrug off tackles. “What’s probably underestimated if you have never seen him live, is how big he is and I mentioned yesterday, when you see Will Jordan live, he’s a big unit through the hips and the legs and Tangitau is not too dissimilar,” Donald explained.
Moreover, Donald praised the conditions at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, which he believes are ideal for a player of Tangitau’s calibre. “He’s playing at the best arena in the world to be an outside back who plays on top of the ground," he noted, highlighting the hard, fast surface that complements the Highlanders' dynamic backline.
As the rugby world watches, Tangitau’s blend of speed, power, and timely tries continues to make a strong case for his inclusion in the national squad. His trajectory suggests that an All Blacks call-up might not just be possible but inevitable.