Justin Marshall has debated the merits of taking experienced duo TJ Perenara and Sam Cane on the All Blacks’ tour to the northern hemisphere.
New Zealand take on Japan later this month before they face England, Ireland and France over successive weeks in November in what will be an exceedingly tough few games.
Despite a mixed Rugby Championship, there were positives for the All Blacks as Scott Robertson seeks to rebuild the squad following the departures of several key players after the Rugby World Cup.
Perenara and Cane will soon follow the likes of Aaron Smith, Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick after confirming that 2024 will be their last year in Test rugby.
Final game on New Zealand soil
Some have therefore questioned whether they should be in the squad for their matches in Europe, especially following their emotional send-offs at the weekend.
Cane achieved the century milestone in the 33-13 victory over the Wallabies, while Perenara’s final match on New Zealand soil came on his home ground in Wellington.
All Blacks centurion list: Sam Cane becomes the 13th legend to play 100 Test matches
The former scrum-half, who earned 81 caps for the All Blacks, firstly addressed the number nine position, with Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Noah Hotham likely to be the options if the 32-year-old doesn’t go.
“You’ve got to balance it out in two ways. Even if Cam Roigard comes through unscathed and is fit, he’s very low on minutes to be entering into Test matches of the calibre of England, Ireland and France,” he told The Platform.
“I’m not saying that he’s not capable of doing it, but equally he’s still very green. He’s got minimal Test matches under his belt and then do you take two rookies?
“Cortez Ratima’s been really, really good, but he hasn’t played much and Noah Hotham’s only had one Test.
“Do you exclude TJ Perenara should you need somebody if Roigard or Cortez Ratima – the two incumbents at the moment – were to fall over?”
All Blacks: TJ Perenara reveals who he thinks should replace him as next haka leader
‘Got to be careful’
Marshall has a similar view of the Cane situation, despite the All Blacks having much more depth in the back-row, especially with the emergence of youngster Wallace Sititi.
“I would say the same for Sam Cane. If our back-row was to have an injury to Ardie Savea, is it worthwhile having Sam Cane there? Not only because of his experience and his toughness, but his team-mates love him,” he added.
“I’m all for us getting to a point where we are evolving and giving players opportunities, but we’ve got to be careful of giving away Test matches in doing so.
“I would hesitantly say take them but don’t use them – only if necessary.”
READ MORE: Tana Umaga reveals how ‘a tongue in cheek throwaway line’ convinced Ardie Savea to make surprise decision
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
