Why All Blacks XV boss is ‘a hundred percent’ sure experienced star still has ‘desire’ to return to Test arena with New Zealand
Folau Fakatava in action for New Zealand against Ireland in 2022 and All Blacks XV head coach Jamie Joseph (inset).
All Blacks XV head coach Jamie Joseph believes experienced scrum-half Folau Fakatava still has “a desire” to play at Test level for New Zealand despite having the option to switch allegiance to Tonga.
There was plenty of excitement in New Zealand when Fakatava made his debut for the All Blacks against Ireland in 2022 but after winning two caps in that series, he has not been in action at Test level again.
However, he has been called up to the All Blacks XV squad for their upcoming tour to Europe where they will take on the Barbarians, England A and Uruguay next month.
Has the option to play for Tonga as well
Fakatava was born in Tonga and has the option of switching allegiances to represent the country of his birth if he does not play any Test rugby for another nation for a three-year period, according to World Rugby regulations.
The Highlanders star has helped Hawke’s Bay to advance to New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) semi-finals which take place this weekend.
His current excellent form meant he was in the running to be included in All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson’s squad as the men in black’s third choice scrum-half – behind Test regulars Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima – but lost out to Finlay Christie, who got the nod instead.
Despite that setback, Joseph believes Fakatava is still keen to represent New Zealand at Test level and feels the upcoming All Blacks XV tour will give him a chance to show that he has what it takes to represent New Zealand at the highest level again.
“A hundred percent. I think he’s got a desire to play for the All Blacks,” said Joseph when told that Fakatava has the option of going down the Tonga route as well, especially with the 2027 Rugby World Cup also on the horizon.
“I think there’s a wee bit of a learning there.
‘He’s been around for a long time’
“Folau played for the All Blacks at 22. And he’s been around for a long time. He was in the shadow of Aaron Smith for years (at the Highlanders).
“Most of his rugby was as an impact nine coming off the bench. And now we’re regarding him as an old player. He’s only 25, you know.
“And he’s playing awesome rugby for Hawke’s Bay. So, a hundred percent he wants to be an All Black. This is the next step, really, for Folau.
“And he’s got an opportunity.”
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