Scott Robertson likens Cortez Ratima to former All Blacks star and addresses lock depth ahead of England series

New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson has likened uncapped scrum-half Cortez Ratima to a former All Black as he continues preparations for the England series.

Ratima was one of three number nines named in a 32-man squad by Robertson as the experienced TJ Perenara and Finlay Christie make up the other two spots in the group.

New Zealand are of course without rising star Cam Roigard due to a long-term injury and with Aaron Smith having retired there’s been a changing of the guard at the base.

Ratima comparison

The debate ahead of the England series opener is whether the All Blacks opt for the familiar face of Perenara or pick either Christie or newbie Ratima at scrum-half.

Coach Robertson addressed this question in an interview this past week and revealed that 23-year-old Ratima has “really impressed” in a boost for his selection hopes.

“You do look at combinations and someone like a Cortez Ratima, he reminds me of Tawera Kerr-Barlow. He is a competitor, he works so hard off the ball and he is great at his craft,” he told Newstalk ZB.

“Scotty Hansen has been working with him from afar and he’s really, really impressed. That combination with Dmac (McKenzie) is important.

“TJ Perenara’s playing some footy at the moment. To come back off an injury like that at the highest level, it just puts into perspective what an athlete and person he is. We’ve got some choices to make there.”

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Half-back and lock are where Robertson has been hit most by retirements and sabbaticals, with Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick calling time on Test rugby.

However, they have been boosted by a return to fitness of Patrick Tuipulotu while new skipper Scott Barrett is set to shed his versatility tag and settle in the second-row.

“With Patty coming in with 40-odd Tests, Scooter’s on 60-odd. Josh Lord’s been injured for the majority of the year,” Robertson said when assessing the depth in that position.

“Test locks are big, they’re tall men or they’re extremely mobile. You look at the Irish second-row and the incredible mobility of it.

“With Patty coming back, it’s made a massive difference to us, but we’ve got an emerging programme that we tag in.”

He added: “We’re looking at them on and off the field, we’re trying to fast-track them as much as we possibly can to make sure they come through, so they put the size on, get the aerial skills required.

“Tall men take time, a little bit longer than others. They can develop late. Sam Darry’s with us, he’s the same height as Sam Whitelock, has got good footwork, has got a great engine. He will grow and come quick.”

The All Blacks kick off their series against England at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday, July 6, before facing them at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, July 13.

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