Sevu Reece will make his return with a point to prove which is to help secure the Grand Slam for his All Blacks side, as he’s the kind of player who brings balance to the team.
This was shared by the All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson today.
Robertson says New Zealand’s top rugby players will have more than just victory on their minds during next month’s Northern Hemisphere tours with the All Blacks squad named on Monday, and the All Blacks XV will be confirmed on Tuesday and together, 66 players will head north,36 with the All Blacks and 30 with Jamie Joseph’s All Blacks XV.
He says the tour presents a huge opportunity, especially with the rare chance to complete a Grand Slam beating England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on one tour.
Robertson says it’s been a while since they had a shot at a Grand Slam and when they get a crack they have got to take it.
Next season will see the launch of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa, with a larger squad of 40 players expected and he says performances in the November tour will be crucial for selection.
Coach says this tour is about playing a different style of footy and there’s going to be fierce competition for spots.
While the All Blacks have named just one uncapped player prop Tevita Mafileo, Robertson hinted that bolters will feature in the All Blacks XV.
He says in the last two years, they had 19 debutants and now they got experience and youth which is perfect for a Grand Slam campaign.
Robertson says the pressure of chasing a Grand Slam is expected but will be used to drive performance.
Finlay Christie has been selected as the third halfback, with Robertson praising his readiness for Test rugby.
The All Blacks will face Ireland at Soldier Field on November 2nd at 9am in their opening match.
Source All Blacks
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