All Blacks legend puts Scott Robertson on alert over Zinzan Brooke-like number eight

Colin Newboult
Zinzan Brooke, the legendary number eight, in action for the All Blacks.

Zinzan Brooke, the legendary number eight, in action for the All Blacks.

Former All Black Sir John Kirwan believes that this could be the year that Hoskins Sotutu finally becomes a regular for the national team.

The 25-year-old first made his mark in 2020, shining for the Blues during that Covid-affected season.

His form in both Super Rugby and Super Rugby Aotearoa was recognised by the New Zealand coaches and he made his international debut later that year.

However, Sotutu has only made fleeting appearances in an All Blacks jersey since then and did not do enough to earn a place in the Rugby World Cup squad.

Impressing Scott Robertson

With a new World Cup cycle bringing a new coach, the number eight has the opportunity to impress Scott Robertson and stake his claim for a back-row spot.

Kirwan has no doubts over Sotutu’s ability and has compared his skill set to that of the legendary Zinzan Brooke.

“I love his talent. This is a kid that can do stuff that other players can’t do. Why was he left out in the past? Probably his repeated work rate,” he told The Breakdown, who had the new All Blacks boss in attendance.

“He needs to get off the ground quicker, a few of those things, but if you can get this kid right, he can really be special.

“He’s got that speed, he can kick, he’s got all those things that Zinzan Brooke had.

“He’s got a lot to prove. If he can come out and have a great season he’s going to put his hand up in front of Razor and say, ‘I’m an option.’

“Ardie’s (Savea) coming back late so I think Hoskins is huge for me, it’s a big year for him.”

Meanwhile, fellow All Blacks great Jeff Wilson believes that it is a big season for Akira Ioane, who is another player that has never truly nailed down a spot in the squad.

“And Akira Ioane as well, if he’s ever going to get back to that level again, he has to show something in particular,” Wilson said.

Fly-half role

The 50-year-old also went on to discuss other possible stars this year, with the fly-half position in the spotlight following the departures of Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga.

“For me, it’s Stephen Perofeta. He’s the player that’s coming in who’s no longer in the shadow of Beauden Barrett. It’s not a bad shadow in any way, shape or form but now he owns the team. It’s his team to run,” Wilson added.

“I think you saw last year when he took the reins at Taranaki and the way they went about their campaign.

“If Stephen Perofeta can have that season where he’s in control and stays healthy, he will have a forward pack in front of him that will deliver opportunities.

“When you’ve got guys outside of him like Rieko Ioane, I like what I see.”

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