Aaron Smith ‘jealous’ of ‘breath of fresh air’ Cam Roigard as All Blacks in ‘trouble’ without new scrum-half star
All Blacks star Cam Roigard and legendary scrum-half Aaron Smith.
Arguably the All Blacks’ greatest-ever scrum-half, Aaron Smith, has heaped praise on the current incumbent Cam Roigard after an impressive couple of years.
The 25-year-old has firmly established himself as the first choice New Zealand nine and is now regarded as one of the best players in the world in his position.
Roigard was once again in fine form as the All Blacks opened the Greatest Rivalry Test series with a 33-16 victory over the Springboks.
It may not have been his most spectacular display but, as Smith explained, there are plenty of ways the Hurricanes man manages to impact a game.
Roigard has ‘taken it to the next level’
“Man, just wow. Seriously, Jesus, that boy’s got game. It’s so awesome to see him take it to the next level this year, the level where he’s like, ‘I’m the guy now’. What he did at Super Rugby and then the first few Tests this year,” he told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“His kicking gets us out of so much trouble. He did one kick in the first Test where the scrum’s getting buckled, Ardie throws it to Quinn, who hits it up, and he kicks it out to 45 from our five-metre line.
“I know it’s Ellis Park but he does that regularly and that is such a breath of fresh air.”
Roigard also has a fine passing game and a superb rugby brain but it is his speed around the fringes which is making Smith “jealous” of his talents.
“I love his sniper ability, I’m jealous. I’m still chipping away but, wow, if there is half a hole, it’s a big hole for him,” he said.
“It looks like he’s infectious to play with, moves the ball, kicks well. He’s smart and without him we’re in a bit of trouble.
“When he plays, we’re in good hands. What a player and I have nothing but love for the guy.”
All Blacks gap at scrum-half
There is currently a big gap between Roigard and the rest of the All Blacks scrum-halves and it is difficult to see anyone else starting at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He looks set to be in that shirt for years to come and Smith is looking forward to watching him develop and star for both club and country.
“I get excited every time he plays and if there is any momentum ball, I’m like ‘here it comes, watch out, he’s gonna go man’. Don’t get caught tripping around those rucks, he’s gone,” he added.
“His speed, his skills and his mindset when he plays, he’s going to take anything you give him and take more.
“I’ve just been totally blown away and I’m just so excited about the rest of his career, and where he can go for himself but also the jersey and for our country, and probably the Hurricanes as well to be honest.”
