Ex-All Blacks star gives candid verdict on key Scott Robertson selection for Bledisloe Cup rematch
Former New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald (inset) and current All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea.
Former New Zealand fly-half Stephen Donald has given his verdict on All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s decision to bring Quinn Tupaea into his starting XV at outside centre for Saturday’s Rugby Championship Test with Australia in Perth.
Despite securing the Bledisloe Cup for the 23rd successive year courtesy of a 33-24 triumph at Eden Park last week, Robertson has made seven alterations to his starting line-up and five to the bench for this weekend’s rematch.
Although there are some injury enforced changes, Robertson has made some big calls with one being the selection of Tupaea at number 13, which means he will form a new midfield partnership with Jordie Barrett.
Shone off the bench for the All Blacks
Tupaea has impressed when coming off the bench for the All Blacks and combined brilliantly with Barrett to set up a try for Cam Roigard in that victory over Australia in the corresponding fixture at Eden Park.
The duo’s brilliance on attack during the closing stages of that encounter has led to Tupaea being promoted to the starting side at the expense of Billy Proctor, who has been the All Blacks’ first choice outside centre in seven out of eight of New Zealand’s Tests played in 2025.
The only encounter where Robertson fielded a different midfield partnership was in New Zealand’s third Test against France in Hamilton when Anton Lienert-Brown wore the number 13 jersey with Tupaea starting alongside him at inside centre.
Donald believes Tupaea fares better at inside centre but is looking forward to seeing how he plays in the other midfield role, although he has seldom featured in that position this year.
“He’s an outstanding 12. And you just haven’t seen him play 13. He might’ve played a few games here and there for Waikato,” he told The Aftermatch with Kirst & Beav.
‘They’re just so contrasting positions’
“And the Chiefs, I can’t remember him starting a game at 13 for the Chiefs. They’re just so contrasting positions, particularly defensively. And there’s no bigger defensive assignment in world rugby at the moment than going up against Joseph Suaalii.
“So he’s got that ahead of him. He’s made every post a winner, Quinn this year. When you think about his appearances off the bench. I think he had one start at 12 against the Frenchies.
“But I think by and large, his appearances off the bench have been high impact. And he was very good against Australia in game one. He had a couple of beautiful cameos against the Boks as well off the bench.
“So the selectors definitely believe in him. And what great attribute for him, if he can go out there and nail the 13 position as well, because we know what he can do at 12. He’s such a strong carrier.
“The attack won’t be an issue for him at 13. It’ll just be, I guess slipping in to the defensive requirements, which aren’t just normal requirements this week.
“Because as I said, it’s a pretty tough, tough opponent you’re going up against defensively.”