Former scrum-half Justin Marshall believes that the All Blacks will have to “adjust” their game plan if Cam Roigard picks up another injury.
The 24-year-old made his return to Test rugby on Saturday after over two months out and played a starring role in their victory over the Wallabies.
Roigard touched down twice as New Zealand overcame their trans-Tasman rivals 33-24 and retained the Bledisloe Cup for yet another year.
It was a performance which underlined his importance to the All Blacks with Scott Robertson’s side looking more fluid with him in the team.
‘There is a massive gulf’
Host of Sport Nation’s The Rugby Run Mark Watson suggested that “there is a massive gulf” between Roigard and the rest.
Watson also suggested: “If he is to get injured again and you lose Ardie Savea, I can’t see us winning too many Test matches without those two”.
Marshall responded that it was “a valid point” and explained why the Hurricanes scrum-half is such an effective player.
“I’ll categorically say there is no other half-back in the country that runs like Cam Roigard, he’s got a unique running game,” he said.
“He might not have the crispest passing game. I thought his box-kicking was really good and enabled the likes of Will Jordan and co. to chase with enthusiasm because he was giving it good height and the right distance. It was very accurate.
“[But] no one can replicate the running game he’s got.”
Marshall does not believe there are too many scrum-halves in New Zealand who are like Roigard but he did throw out one interesting name.
“The closest to him, who is actually starting to find some form again although it’s only in the NPC, is Folau Fakatava,” the 81-Test ex-All Black said.
“He’s got the same sort of threat in terms of his running game – taking steps, bringing defenders in and has the power to break through them.”
Comparisons to Aaron Smith
Roigard is seen as the long-term successor to Aaron Smith but Marshall states that he is a very different player to the All Blacks legend.
“Aaron Smith wasn’t like that, but Aaron Smith had a unique set of skills that enabled the All Blacks to function game plan-wise like no other team in the world,” he added.
“His quickness to the breakdown, his crispness of pass, that was unrivalled. Roigard hasn’t got that but he’s got that running game that helps others.
“I get you with the void but, if Roigard’s out, you’re not going to bring a nine in that’s going to do what he does, so you have to slightly adjust your game plan.”