by All Blacks halfback Cameron Roigard will look to continue his comeback from his serious knee injury against England at the Allianz Stadium this weekend.
Roigard, 23, burst onto the All Blacks scene at the Rugby World Cup last year before tearing his left patellar tendon in the sixth round of Super Rugby Pacific against the Highlanders in Dunedin on March 30.
All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has trusted his young halfback and named him in the 36-man squad for the Northern Tour.
Former Maori All Black and current North Harbor halfback Bryn Hall praises Cameron Roigard and his future in the black jersey.
“When we get to the next World Cup, I think he will probably be one of the best halfbacks in the world with his ability,” Hall said Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
Quite high praise considering Roigard has only played five friendlies for the All Blacks and has only just returned from a serious knee injury and played two NPC games for Counties Manukau before being included in Scott Robertson’s squad for the Northern Tour was appointed.
Although Roigard has only three games under his belt since the injury, former All Black and Sky Sport commentator James Parsons would have him feature against England at the Allianz Stadium this weekend.
“Before his injury, Cameron Roigard was probably the guy they had earmarked there, Cortez absolutely took his chance and deserves a place on the bench, but I just think Roigard looks in good shape, looks ready, and I think you.” I just have to get him out of there and in.
If there was a form problem TJ would definitely be there, but both of these young men are playing well and they need to be rewarded for that,” Parsons said Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
Hall believes Roigard’s diverse attributes will allow him to make the All Blacks’ number nine jersey his own in the coming years.
“Roigard with his two NPC games and the game against Japan, the offensive threat with the ball in his hand and his left foot, a great left foot to be able to shoot the ball long and controllable. He would like to be a little bit better in terms of his efficiency and hitting the right shot.”
Scott Robertson has two more solid options at number nine on the Northern Tour at the end of the year. He has the option to call on experienced halfback and 87-Test veteran TJ Perenara when needed, as well as Chiefs’ young halfback Cortez Ratima, who impressed in his first games as an All Black.
“Cortez Ratima has played so consistently well this year, for a young man who is utilizing his core skills to a very high percentage.
Then there’s TJ Perenara, who I know brings that experience, and I know that as a coach, when you’re playing against England, France and Ireland, it’s important to have that experience in that position, and Razor “He definitely appreciates that leadership quality on and off the field,” Hall said when asked what role TJ Perenara could play.
