So'oialo predicts a bright future

Rodney So'oialo says the All Blacks can hold their heads high with pride after beating Australia 28-24 to claim the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup on Saturday.

Rodney So'oialo says the All Blacks can hold their heads high with pride after beating Australia 28-24 to claim the Tri-Nations and Bledisloe Cup on Saturday.

Due to several key players leaving after the World Cup New Zealand were forced to rebuild this season, meaning half of the squad were not involved in last year's World Cup.

Having played in his 51st Test on Saturday, So'oialo, who captained the side in Richie McCaw's absence earlier in the season, believes the signs are bright for the future.

“The boys have really come a long way since the beginning of our campaign,” he told Yahoo!Xtra.

“I am really impressed. Those guys are continuing growing, not only as rugby players but as people.

“It is always good to see the younger ones coming through.

“They are pretty much the future of All Black rugby. So it is good to see them making the step up.”

As expected early in the season Graham Henry rotated his squad to look at his options, although by the end of the season he had a settled side.

The new breed includes Richard Kahui, Anthony Tuitavake, Adam Thomson, Anthony Boric, Rudi Wulf and Stephen Donald.

Added to that the likes of Jerome Kaino, John Afoa, Jimmy Cowan and Ma'a Nonu have made their respective jerseys their own with some fine displays.

So'oialo was not only delighted with the way the new players had taken to the task of being an All Black on the field, but also how they have adapted to life off the field.

“I think the people that have been there already have made them feel a lot more at ease,” he said.

“It has made it easier for them to make that transition between Super 14 and the All Black level. I think that might have helped.

“The guys themselves are also willing to learn which is one of the great traits of the younger guys coming through.”

With McCaw missing the earlier parts of the Tri-Nations campaign due to injury So'oialo was handed the captain's armband.

And despite only winning one of the three Tests he was in charge So'oialo was honoured to have had the chance to lead the All Blacks.

“I am very privileged to have captained a few games,” he said.

“That is really great. It will be definitely be one of the more memorable years for myself, for that reason.”

Looking ahead, So'oialo's contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union expires in 2009, along with Ma'a Nonu and Mils Muliaina, and the trio have been highlighted as priority signings ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

However the number eight has not yet decided on his long-term future.

“I haven't made any decisions yet,” So'oialo said.

“My contract doesn't finish until the end of next year. At the moment I am really enjoying my rugby and we will see what happens from there.”