Rieko Ioane, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele'a. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The final weekend of Super Rugby Pacific had fireworks on and off the field, but it also certainly threw up a few interesting All Black talking points. Scott Robertson's initial 36-man squad is named on 23 June, a very high number of players so there is plenty of room for some outside the box selection thinking.
Also, it's worth noting that last year, Robertson just went ahead and included a whole bunch of players that weren't named regardless, having them join as essentially an extended training squad. So there's certainly a lifeline given how high the attrition rate will be across 14 upcoming tests.
Here's a look at who pressed their cases over the weekend:
Rieko Ioane
The Blues celebrate with Rieko Ioane during the Blues v Waratahs, Super Rugby Pacific match, Eden Park, Auckland. Photo: Blake Armstrong /ActionPress
This one would've felt pretty sweet for Ioane, who has been under an awful lot of scrutiny ever since he moved in from the wing to centre. Yes, the Waratahs were horrible, but the main thing here was his connection with Beauden Barrett in all of his three tries in the 46-6 win. Two were off well weighted kicks and good chases, with the other being a move that Ioane instigated and finished himself. Just to remind us of what else he brings, Ioane got involved in the funniest rugby Instagram blow up since his Johnny Sexton troll job-masterpiece last year.
Ethan de Groot
Ethan de Groot in action during the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at Stade de France. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The Highlanders went down fighting in their last game of the season and a lot of that was due to their co-captain. De Groot had his best game of the season, and it couldn't have come at a better time as his place in the All Blacks started to come under threat all the way back on last year's northern tour. He has a big job on his hands to get ahead of Tamaiti Williams, but there is room in the extended prop rotation if Robertson favours experience over youth.
Peter Umaga-Jensen
Peter Umaga-Jensen of the Hurricanes celebrates his try. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
The one-test All Black reminded everyone just why he got that call up with a stunning display against Moana Pasifika on Saturday night, It's fair to say Umaga-Jensen's never done anything wrong in his career, it's more been a case of having so many strong midfielders in the mix. In fact, he wasn't even expected to start much this Super Rugby Pacific season season due to the emergence of Riley Higgins. But now, with Anton Lienert-Brown out injured, he offers the most like-for-like replacement value when Robertson weighs up what he wants. Umaga-Jensen's case is also boosted by the fact that he's in a Hurricanes team that is timing their run to perfection.
Sevu Reece
Crusaders Sevu Reece kicks a drop goal against the Brumbies. Photo: Mark Evans/ActionPress
First half drop goals probably aren't going to be in the plan for the test season. However, while Reece's sweetly hit strike might have seemed a bit rash considering the Crusaders were 30 metres out and the probability of winning a penalty and attacking lineout were high, it was eventually the difference between winning and losing. But this isn't just about that or the fact that he benefitted from a blown call later in the game, Reece's workrate proved to be very effective against a tough Brumbies side that plays the most test-match style rugby of any opponent in the competition.
Tupou Vaa'i
Tupou Vaa'i scores. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress
OK, so Vaa'i is in no danger of missing selection after being one of the All Blacks' best last year. This is more about what his three-try performance against the Highlanders might do to shape his role in the test side - specifically his open field work that reminded everyone that he was originally seen as a blindside that can play lock and what that versatility will do to shape the overall loose forward makeup. Vaa'i's pace may well see him as a genuine part of a wider gameplan rather than an emergency replacement, which in turn means Robertson might not need as many loosies in the squad.
Dalton Papali'i
Dalton Papali'i against the Drua. Photo: Kirk Corrie/ActionPress
Someone needs to fill the third loose forward spot alongside Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi and Papali'i put in a very good display for consideration against the Waratahs. Just what numbers the trio wear on their backs might not matter, but while Du'Plessis Kirifi had another monster game that ended with him literally soaked in his own blood, Papali'i also sent a reminder out that he's far from ready to give up his test spot.
Mark Tele'a
Mark Tele’a. Photo: photosport
Yes, Tele'a has signed overseas next year and the Blues' form has meant it's been easy to presume he'll be looking forward to the NPC rather than test duty. But this would be a massive disservice to Tele'a, who was outstanding against England at Twickenham in November and was one of the All Blacks' best on that tour. His two tries against the Waratahs showcased again just how dangerous he is; besides, he wouldn't be the only player heading to the departure lounge that Robertson has capped anyway.
