As the All Blacks close the chapter on a turbulent 2024 season marked by uncharacteristic losses and inconsistency, a silver lining has emerged amidst the struggles – the rapid rise of a talented new generation that is poised to lead New Zealand rugby into a promising future under head coach Scott Robertson.
Youth Movement Takes Center Stage
While Robertson’s debut international campaign had its fair share of growing pains, with four defeats including a deflating loss to France, the former Crusaders boss can take solace in the accelerated development of the All Blacks’ next wave of stars.
No team, aside from perhaps the resurgent Wallabies, has undergone a more extensive regeneration process than the All Blacks in the wake of a disappointing World Cup. The absences of stalwarts like Sam Whitelock, Aaron Smith, and Brodie Retallick thrust unproven talents into the spotlight – and many have risen to the occasion in emphatic fashion.
Sititi, Vaa’i Headline Rookie Class
Leading the youth charge is flanker Wallace Sititi, a strong contender for World Rugby’s Breakthrough Player of the Year. The dynamic 22-year-old has been a revelation, showcasing a rare blend of powerful ball carrying, deft offloading, and lineout prowess that belies his age.
Sititi cutting England to shreds at Twickenham points to the dynamic athletic ability that has swiftly cemented him in the long-term future of the All Blacks’ loose forwards.
– Liam Napier, New Zealand rugby journalist
In the second row, Tupou Vaa’i has emerged as a worthy heir apparent to the legendary Whitelock-Retallick locking partnership. The mobile 24-year-old has excelled in the lineout against the world’s top packs and provides a skillset tailor-made for the modern game.
Front Row Firepower
The front row has also seen an injection of youth, with prop Tamaiti Williams defying convention with his rare blend of size, stamina, and ball-playing ability. Despite being one of the heaviest props in All Blacks history, the 21-year-old has shown he can handle massive minutes and is setting new standards at the position.
With rookie sensation Cam Roigard outplaying French superstar Antoine Dupont and young guns like Peter Lakai, Caleb Clarke, and Billy Proctor also turning heads, the All Blacks suddenly boast an enviable core of emerging talent that should have fans salivating.
Farewells and Fresh Faces
As accomplished servants like flanker Sam Cane and scrumhalf TJ Perenara prepare for their All Blacks swansongs against Italy this weekend before heading to Japan, Robertson can take comfort in knowing that the next men up – the likes of Williams and Mark Tele’a – appear more than ready to fill the void.
The rapid fall of prop Ethan de Groot, who has lost his starting spot to Williams, and the fading of aging winger Sevu Reece further underscore the changing of the guard. Growing pains are inevitable, but if the All Blacks’ youth movement maintains its upward trajectory, Robertson’s men could soon have the rugby world chasing them once again.
