Hurricanes and All Blacks playmaker Ruben Love has been holding tackle bags on this end-of-year Northern Tour for the All Blacks, but when he got his opportunity, he largely took it with both hands.
Despite making a couple of errors in the second half before being substituted with what Robertson said was a slight ankle injury, Love’s performance with ball in hand was something to build on.
Love made his debut for the All Blacks last year against Japan, coming off the bench and scoring on the right wing.
With what looked like an ordinary carry during the first half, the 4-Test All Black managed to slide past a couple of Welsh defenders to score a fantastic try in the 29th minute.
Love has been talked about as a possible option for the All Blacks in the No.10 jersey, but his performance at fullback in Cardiff impressed head coach Scott Robertson.
“Yeah did his ankle there at the end but he had some great courageous moments, didn’t he? He backed himself and he trusts his instinct. He’s got good feet, his aerial game, like we’re really pleased for him,” Robertson told media in Cardiff.
“We’ll have a look at the tape again, but he’s good, he’s confident and we’re pleased for him to get on the stage again.”
Love impressed earlier this season against France in Hamilton, where he made his first start of the season after spending most of 2024 on the bench or in the reserves.
Former All Black and current Sky Sports commentator and analyst Jeff Wilson wasn’t sure about the substitution, especially with experienced winger Sevu Reece coming on in his place.
“I was a little bit disappointed for Ruben love to get substituted. I mean, I know the game was in the balance, so I think we’re leading by 10 at that point. You know, to get the experience you need to stay on the field,” Wilson said on the Sky Sport broadcast.
“We know what Sevu Reece can can do in the All Black jersey, I’m not sure we needed to see him again in the All Black jersey.”
All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, who has missed a couple of games during the 2025 International campaign with injury, explains that although they didn’t get what they wanted to from the end-of-year tour, it was pleasing to see his players stand up in Cardiff.
“Yeah, I think before we hopped on the plane, we had a clear vision to win a Grand Slam and last week and go and sort of build the rug out from underneath us and it probably took a few days for the boys to look look forward to tonight.
“I think the selections helped, bringing some fresh energy and guys having opportunities against a valiant Welsh side tonight, so it was pleasing to see guys step up and take that so and finish on a positive. So we’ll enjoy tonight and get around those guys who stood up.”