Sevu Reece gives honest verdict on new All Blacks coaching group
All Blacks wing Sevu Reece celebrates scoring a try v England in 2024.
Sevu Reece is enjoying his time in the current All Blacks set-up under the mentorship of Scott Robertson as well as several new coaches in the three-time world champions’ camp.
Head coach Robertson took over the reins from Ian Foster after last year’s Rugby World Cup campaign in France and apart from forwards coach Jason Ryan, who was part of Foster’s backroom staff, the other assistants are new to their positions.
Solid-looking coaching team
Robertson and Ryan are joined by Jason Holland (backs), Leon MacDonald (attack), Scott Hansen (defence) and former Crusaders assistant coach Tamati Ellison is the contact skills coach.
Meanwhile, experienced mentor Wayne Smith is supporting the group as a performance coach.
Reece missed the entire 2023 Test campaign due to an ACL injury but was in fine form upon his return for the Crusaders at Super Rugby Pacific level and despite a forgetful season for the Christchurch-based outfit, the All Blacks winger finished as the joint-top scorer in that competition.
Sevu Reece praises ācrazyā All Blacks playmakerās influence on his career
Speaking ahead of the 2024 international campaign, the 26-Test All Black said he was excited to be working with the All Blacks’ new coaching team.
“Yeah, you know, I’ve been lucky enough to work with all of these coaches here and it’s, all I can say, it’s, you know, it’s very exciting times for New Zealand rugby,” he told the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“You know, great, like just great coaches, like, off the field, amazing men. And as we all seem to as well, the squad that’s been picked, you know, lots of questions been asked of individuals and I think, they’ve got a game plan and that’s exciting.”
Outstanding All Blacks wingers
Reece was one of four wingers in the All Blacks squad – along with Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa – and revealed that the competition was tough amongst the speedsters in the camp.
“Yeah, lots of wingers. I said that this is going to be a good battling camp,” he added.
“And I was thinking, okay, what other position could I play? Half-back, maybe? Funny story, actually.”