Justin Marshall, a name synonymous with rugby excellence, has weighed in on Dave Rennie's decision to exclude Noah Hotham from the Nations Championship squad. The choice to favor Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, and Kyle Preston for the scrum-half positions has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike. Roigard, a world-class talent, was a shoo-in, but the inclusion of Ratima and Preston over the promising Hotham has raised eyebrows, albeit not unjustifiably according to Marshall.
During a recent discussion on the GBRANZ podcast, Marshall expressed his views on the selection dynamics. "If they were looking at balance, it’s not [surprising]. He’s a genuine specific player, nines are, unless you’re from South Africa and you can play on the wing as well, but it doesn’t tend to happen with many other teams in the world," he noted. This perspective underscores the strategic thinking behind team composition, emphasizing the specialized roles each player fills.
"He’s a slightly different player to Cortez Ratima and Cam Roigard. I think the balance that he brings and the way that he plays is offering something different to the defence."
Marshall further elaborated on the unique qualities that each player brings to the table. While Hotham shone in the Super Rugby season, Preston's inclusion was backed by his international experience and a playing style that complements rather than duplicates that of Roigard or Ratima. "Noah Hotham, Cortez Ratima, and Cam Roigard are very similar players. Roigard’s obviously an exception; he’s on another planet when it comes to nines in the world at the moment – only [Antoine] Dupont is his equal," Marshall added, highlighting the strategic depth provided by Roigard's exceptional skills.
The conversation then shifted towards Kyle Preston's attributes. "You’ve got to look at that as a huge positive the All Blacks have but when he is either needing a rest or is injured, which he has been recently, what does the All Blacks’ shape look like? What do they look like as a threat from nine?" These questions are crucial for understanding the tactical adjustments the team might need to make in Roigard's absence. Marshall praised Preston's adaptability and intellect on the field: "Preston’s got a different style, he’s more of support-style player, he’s a really clever reader of the game, has got a very smart brain on him in the way he wants to play and he’s very good at using link players around him."
The All Blacks squad selection offers a glimpse into the strategic intricacies of top-level rugby, where each choice is a calculated step towards building a balanced and resilient team. As the Nations Championship approaches, the wisdom of Rennie’s selections will undoubtedly be put to the test.
All Blacks squad: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston.