All Blacks to give rookies a shot against Wallabies
SPOTLIGHT: The All Blacks are set to bring in some new faces for their Bledisloe Cup clash against the Wallabies in Wellington on Sunday.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster and his assistant John Plumtree hinted that experience will not be the only factor when they select their team for the clash.
It means players like Caleb Clarke, Tupou Va’ai, Will Jordan and Hoskins Sotutu could all be making debuts in the famous back jersey this weekend.
“We’re picking what we think is the best side, so if there’s younger players in there then so be it,” said Plumtree.
Whoever is picked, Plumtree is confident they will be up to the task.
“It’s really important everyone’s not tapping on their door, trying to give them advice,” he added.
“Let them go about their business and be there for them when they need us.”
Meanwhile, Foster said he is not afraid to give some rookies a shot in such a big game.
“Some of these guys we’ve met a week ago in terms of being able to train with them,” Foster said in an interview with the NZ Herald. “We haven’t been able to watch these guys in their franchise environments week-in, week-out with the travel restrictions so we’re learning a lot as we go.
“We’re getting to know the players and seeing them in the game we want to play and seeing what their actions are like.
“Are we afraid to put some young players in? No, we’re not. The reason we picked them is because they’re good enough. Now we need to see how they fit in and adjust to being an All Black. If that adjustment is quick then they’re on the selection radar straight away.”
Source: Newshub & NZ Herald
