SENZ rugby expert Israel Dagg is concerned that there will be a national shortage of first five-eighths at the close of this year’s Rugby World Cup.
Veteran Beauden Barrett and Crusaders star Richie Mo’unga have both announced their departure for Japan at the end of 2023, while many believe Damian McKenzie may follow suit.
McKenzie returned from his Japan sabbatical mid-last year in the hopes of cracking back into the All Blacks in time for the World Cup. Injury ruled him out of their 2019 campaign.
With at least two of the nation’s top fly-halves guaranteed to head offshore, Dagg predicted the next three players to break into the side on SENZ Breakfast, while admitting experienced options are “pretty slim”.
Breakout Blues back Stephen Perofeta is the likely successor, having debuted last year and toured with the All Blacks across the season, while several young guns could also be in the mix.
Josh Ioane (Chiefs) and Brett Cameron (Hurricanes) have already represented New Zealand while rookies Bryn Gatland (Chiefs), Cam Millar (Highlanders) and Ruben Love (Hurricanes) all participated in the inaugural All Blacks XV tour at the end of 2022.
See Dagg’s selections below.
Dagg’s three future All Blacks first-five eighths:
1. Stephen Perofeta (Blues)
“I’d take Perofeta, he’d be my man that I’d build my team around.
“He’s been in that environment for a year now, he knows what it is.
“Has played limited time at 10, but I’d take Perofeta.”
2. Cam Millar (Highlanders)
“We haven’t seen him but I’ve talked about him a wee bit.
“I expect he’s going to have a standout season.
“Might be a wee bit early but get him in there, get him in the environment building for that future.”
3. Josh Ioane (Chiefs)
“It’s either Josh Ioane or (Crusader) Fergus Burke for me. Have been given opportunities at a Super level, have shown good signs that they could potentially kick on.
“(But) if I’m going to pick one, I’m going to pick Josh Ioane.”
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