Author of a remarkable performance, New Zealand scrum-half Cam Roigard poses as heir to his glorious predecessors…
As in France, the position of fly-half is very often scrutinized, analyzed and debated in New Zealand. Former world champion winger Cory Jane, now assistant coach of the Hurricanes, mentioned this to us again last week: “New Zealanders are never happy. When Dan Carter retired, everyone said it was the end of the world. And then what? Beauden Barrett was there, Richie Mo'unga arrived, Damian (McKenzie, editor's note) arrived… Retirees have always been replaced! That's why I never wanted to play 10! We're always looking for too much trouble for you.”
But there is another jersey that is not easy to wear: that of the number nine, as it has been worn by true living legends of our sport like Justin Marshall, Piri Weepu or Aaron Smith, the last being considered the one of the greatest in history. But clearly, Cam Roigard is not afraid to do it: “It is obviously a great honor to wear this black jersey flocked with the number 9, and even that of the number 21. As you said, such great players have worn it before me… I would also like to mention my old club partner, TJ Perenara, I'm just trying to do my best to take this jersey even higher than where I was given it.”
For only his ninth selection and especially his first start against a major nation (after starting matches against Namibia, Uruguay and Japan), the Hurricanes scrum-half produced a remarkable match. Always glued to the ball, the Wellington player often accelerated the All Blacks' play with his precise and lively passes and even had a solo try, taking advantage of the pressure exerted by his pack in a closed scrum to push Greg Alldritt at fault.
Not impressed with Dupont
But above all, the Hurricane had a nice mano a mano with Antoine Dupont: “It was great to face a player like him. He does good to our game, he popularizes it, especially in France and we were able to see it this evening! I also know that in New Zealand, a lot of people were waiting to witness this duel between us I hope I did my part of the job, even I am aware of still lacking experience in this type of meeting. It will come, but I loved it. measure up to him. I'm a competitor, and I always want to go up against the best. I have already played against and with some very great players in Super Rugby, so this match is a great experience for me.” Obviously, “Super Dupont” should not be on the Blues' next summer tour to New Zealand, but there is no doubt that Roigard will want to take his revenge against the Blues on his home soil…
France
Rugby
