The emergence of Hurricanes and All Black loose-forward Peter Lakai has been a bright spot in this year’s end-of-year Grand Slam tour, according to assistant coach Scott Hansen.
The St Pat’s Silverstream graduate first burst onto the scene in 2022 when he was selected for the New Zealand U20’s, before becoming the co-captain f0r the same side in 2023 ahead of the U20 World Championship.
He then made his debut for the Hurricanes in 2023 against the Reds, before making the All Blacks the following year.
Lakai, who has now played seven Tests for the All Blacks, has started the last three games for Robertson’s side, after making his debut on last year’s end-of-year tour against Japan in October.
It’s taken some time for the Hurricanes loose-forward to solidify his spot in an All Black jersey, but after the last couple of performances in Chicago and Edinburgh, Robertson will find it tough to drop Lakai ahead of England at Twickenham and Wales in Cardiff.
The 22-year-old led the tackle count in the game at Murrayfield against Scotland with 21, and won the All Blacks two turnovers at the breakdown during the 80 minutes.
Speaking to Jason Pine on Newstalk ZB’s Weekend Sport show, Hansen explained that some of Lakai’s qualities are “uncoachable”.
“Oh, this has been so pleasing, isn’t it, he’s such a mature young man and he’s a great presence around his game,” Hansen told Pine.
“He’s a natural baller, the way he can present himself onto the ball, how he adjusts the line as a ball carrier he’s got some of those qualities, basically, that are uncoachable.”
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
The All Blacks assistant coach also believes that his prowess at the breakdown is one of his biggest strengths, which only seem to be getting better.
“He’s just a beautiful rugby player, a fantastic young man, defensively he was on the ball, his timing at the breakdown, his understanding and went and how to put pressure on the ball tonight.
“We needed that because we needed the discipline from him there, we didn’t always get it right as a team, but Peter’s a young man that continues to grow his game each week.”