As the All Blacks gear up for their confrontation with France in the Nations Championship, Hurricanes prodigy Ruben Love is poised to make his first Test start as a fly-half. This strategic move, envisioned by rugby luminaries for years, sees Love stepping into a role long anticipated for him. Alongside him, fellow Hurricanes Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett will solidify the lineup, handling scrum-half and inside centre duties respectively.
Sir John Kirwan, a stalwart of New Zealand rugby, shared on the Rivals podcast that Love's selection was a merit-based decision by coach Dave Rennie. "Ruben has deserved it on form and Dave Rennie said he was going to pick on form. I think he’s done the majority of that and I understand why he hasn’t done it in some of the positions," Kirwan explained. He further emphasized the importance of Love's ability to orchestrate the game, "Ruben needs to get his opportunity and you also start building your depth there."
"He needs to be 25 going on 50."
Kirwan revealed that Love had been on the All Blacks' radar for quite some time, a sentiment echoed by former All Black Grant Fox. "When you talk to Foxy, Ruben had been identified four or five years ago as someone who they were looking at to dominate at 10," he stated.
While Kirwan expressed his contentment with Rennie's selections, he admitted he would have preferred seeing Beauden Barrett as a backup. The current strategy, however, does not include Barrett, with Damian McKenzie covering the fly-half position from full-back if necessary. "I probably would have put Beauden on the bench to cover that but probably what he’s saying is, ‘If I get an injury at 15, I’ve got Jordan to cover full-back and McKenzie can go to 10’, so he’s got a few options," Kirwan noted, albeit still feeling the bench seemed "a bit light."
The selection of Will Jordan on the wing has sparked debate among fans and critics alike. Despite concerns about his recent form and fitness, Kirwan defended the decision, highlighting Jordan's proven track record. "Will Jordan deserves his spot as an All Black because of how he’s performed in the past. This guy is a world-class player, X-factor player and can cut the game open at any moment," he asserted.
As the All Blacks prepare to face France, the team's strategy and lineup decisions hint at a dynamic game ahead. With Love at fly-half, supported by seasoned players like McKenzie and Jordan, New Zealand looks set to add a thrilling chapter to their storied rivalry with France.