The bad news issued to Beauden Barrett has resulted in Sevu Reece joining Will Jordan in the All Blacks starting team for the first time in more than two years.
The lows and highs of being an All Black were never more evident when coach Scott Robertson named his team on Thursday, and for Barrett it was a rotten outcome. The test centurion was demoted to the reserves.
Reece had more to celebrate. He's back on the right wing.
All Blacks wing Sevu Reece is relishing the chance to play with Will Jordan in the test against the Springboks.
Dropped after an underwhelming performance during the loss to Argentina in Wellington almost a month ago, Reece was back in business after Robertson elected to shunt Will Jordan from the right wing to fullback for the test against the Springboks at Cape Town tomorrow morning
It will be the first time Reece and Jordan have started together since they started on the wings in the loss to Ireland in Wellington in July 2022.
What unfolds in Cape Town could determine how long the buzz lasts for Reece. If his performance at DHL Stadium is full of crackle and fizz, he and Jordan may see more of each other in the test arena.
Robertson's decision to relegate Barrett after the loss in Johannesburg was a clear indication he wants more from his attack after the All Blacks kicked too often, and aimlessly.
Having missed the majority of last year’ action with a serious knee injury, which ruled him out of the World Cup, Reece lit-up Super Rugby Pacific with his excellent displays for the Crusaders this season and deserved his international recall.
But he stalled. The shock loss to Argentina forced Robertson to act. Will Jordan went to the right wing. Reece was a goner.
Now Reece is relishing the opportunity to finally reconnect with Jordan on the rugby field.
Jordan will make just his second start in a test at fullback.
His first was against the Wallabies in Dunedin last year.
Source: Stuff.co
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