Former All Blacks Stephen Donald and Jeff Wilson have put their money on Fijian outside backs Sevu Reece of the Crusaders and Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders to make the cut for the All Blacks’ July test series squad against France.
Donald says he is picking Reece to make a return for the All Blacks again in 2025, and he would pick Caleb Tangitau alongside Reece for the All Blacks first Test series against France in July.
Wilson agreed with Donald about Reece but believes the other winger should be Highlanders captain Tavatavanawai.
Wilson says he is picking Tavatavanawai because he sees these sorts of numbers and the impact that Tavatavanawai is having.
He says Reece’s try-scoring ratio in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific is impressive.
He adds that he is comfortable with the two Fijians being in the black jersey.
Meanwhile, former All Black Centurian Mils Muliaina also agrees with Wilson about Tavatavanawai being in the All Blacks as his skillset has impressed Muliaina.
Muliaina says he thinks Tavatavanawai deserves an opportunity at this stage because of the way he is going about his business, and his work rate is impressive.
He adds that Tavatavanawai's ability on defence and getting over the ball is very impressive.
Muliaina says Tavatavanawai’s body positions are exceptional, but he has got speed, power, and he has played in the midfield.
He says he would not necessarily play Tavatavanawai in the midfield for the All Blacks but as a winger.
