All Blacks star grabs a sensational brace after six months out as Scott Robertson gets a major boost
All Blacks star Cam Roigard in action for Counties Manukau.
All Blacks scrum-half Cam Rogiard marked his return from six months on the sidelines by scoring two brilliant tries for Counties Manukau in the National Provincial Championship (NPC).
Rogiard has been tipped to be Aaron Smith’s long-term successor in the All Blacks jersey after making his Test debut against Australia last year.
The 23-year-old scored a superb try against the Springboks before the Rugby World Cup and then dotted down twice during the tournament and assisted six tries.
However, he has not featured under Scott Robertson this year after sustaining a serious knee injury during the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Cam Roigard’s return
In Roigard’s absence, TJ Perenara and Cortez Ratima have been Robertson’s go-to picks in the All Blacks‘ matchday 23 particularly during the Rugby Championship. However, the number nine looks set to shake up the pecking order after returning to full fitness and shining in his first game back.
He made an immediate impact for Counties on Saturday as he threw a scrumptious dummy from a ruck and scythed through the Manawatu defence to score his first try just six minutes into his return.
The ICONIC show n go even had the cameramen lost 😂
Welcome back, Cam Roigard 👏
📺 Watch live on @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/Ai1joG7JPF
— Bunnings NPC (@BunningsNPC) October 5, 2024
There was more to come from the half-back as he showed off his pace in a wonderful flowing counterattack.
Full-back Simon-Peter Toleafoa kickstarted the attack from deep inside his own 22 before linking up with winger Josh Gray. Toleafoa sniped from the ensuing ruck and offloaded to Roigard who sped over the halfway line and sensationally beat the cover defence with a delightful side-step.
Cam Roigard has TWO! 🔥
📺 Watch live on @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/1MKTj1BDIy
— Bunnings NPC (@BunningsNPC) October 5, 2024
It was a superb first 20 minutes back from injury for the scrum-half, who also assisted a try in Counties’ 45-26 win after trailing 12-7 at half-time.
All Blacks’ scrum-half options for November
Fellow All Blacks star Dalton Papali’i also came off the bench for Counties and scored a try, speeding down the touchline in the 55th minute. The back-rower left the pitch due to a sore ankle which, according to Stuff.co.nz did not look too serious.
Robertson is preparing for a testing tour to the northern hemisphere in November as the All Blacks tackle England, Ireland, France and Italy. They will also face off against Japan at the end of this month.
Perenara could still feature for the All Blacks in November after announcing that this would be his final year of international rugby before joining Japanese club the Ricoh Black Rams. Ratima starred during the Rugby Championship and is set to remain in the squad while Noah Hotham impressed with his limited opportunities.
Meanwhile, Finlay Christie has starred with Tasman Mako and could also be in line for a recall after being omitted from the squad for the Rugby Championship after playing both games against England in July.
