Latest news with #TimociTavatavanawai
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Robertson wants All Blacks to ‘play fast, think fast and adapt fast'
All Blacks v France Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 12 July Sky Stadium, Wellington Live blog updates on RNZ Were the All Blacks caught on the hop by a fired up French team last weekend? Or were the issues on attack of their own making? Scott Robertson is expecting a sharper performance out of his side this Saturday night in a venue where they have struggled for most of the last decade, saying that the up tempo gameplan will continue. "Play fast, think fast and adapt fast. We've got the skill set to do it,' said Robertson at Thursday's team naming press conference. "We know with our players, and you've seen that across the whole pack. And it's exciting thing about it, so we'll keep creating. Like I said the other day, if, if the wind suddenly comes in off the Strait, we'll adapt and play to the wind in the rain as well. But our intention is to use our skills as much as we can." Robertson has largely stuck with the side that won 31-27 in the first test , citing continuity as the main motivator. Timoci Tavatavanawai, who will debut off the bench and replaces Quinn Tupaea, is the only non-injury related change. Timoci Tavatavanawai, of the Highlanders, takes on the Chiefs' defence in their Super Rugby Pacific match in Hamilton on 19 April 2025. Photo: Jeremy Ward/Photosport Patrick Tuipulotu comes into the second row for injured skipper Scott Barrett, while Caleb Clarke comes onto the wing to replace Sevu Reece. That's caused probably the most interesting situation with the side, as it means Rieko Ioane moves over to the right wing - somewhere he's barely played at first class level. "(Rieko) can play either wing. He said to us he can play either wing or centre, so a bit of continuity for him and give me another crack at it." Continuity was also the reason why two of last weekend's most talked about selections were repeated, with Tupou Vaa'i and Billy Proctor both starting at blindside and centre respectively. However, it is fair to say that the selections probably weren't the main issue is a first test that ended up being far closer than anyone thought. The application of a gameplan designed to confuse and frustrate the defence led to a few wrong options being taken, even if it did result in the first All Black win over France in seven years. "We'll go and act on it. So a lot of instinctual like you can see how we set up, across the field to play from anywhere. And if it's on, we'll go." Jordie Barrett and Théo Attissogbe challenge for the ball in the All Blacks' first test against France this season. Photo: Marty Melville / While that's all well and good, the French plan is almost certainly going to be the same as last weekend too. A heavy diet of long kicks designed to force the All Blacks into running into contact on their own side of halfway paid dividends early on, however Robertson anticipates more contestable possession. "With no escorting the air battle is about how to tap back, there's a lot of scraps on the ground and that now it's changed a little bit. So the aerial game is critical, and the French are very, very good at it. You know, you look through their club footy right to test footy, how good their kickers are." The test is sold out, which is a serious statement by the All Blacks and NZ Rugby after plenty of talk in the lead up to this series about the perceived lack of quality of their opposition. Robertson said that the poor results in Wellington - only two wins in their last eight visits - was something the team was hoping to rectify. "The people, the local whenua. We fully respect the Kamate haka, where it comes from (local Wellington iwi Ngāti Toa). I think it's important we understand that the performance and the ability to call it somewhere that we're really proud of and extremely passionate to play, starts every time we get here, every time we play. People are turning up to see a performance they'll be proud of."
News24
5 hours ago
- Sport
- News24
Robertson keeps faith with All Blacks for second France Test
New Zealand coach Scott Robertson has made minimal changes to the starting line-up for the second Test against France. Patrick Tuipulotu and Caleb Clarke join the starting XV, replacing Scott Barrett and Sevu Reece, while Rieko Ioane shifts to the right wing. Uncapped Timoci Tavatavanawai is in line for his debut off the bench. For more rugby news, visit our dedicated section. Ardie Savea will captain a largely unchanged New Zealand side named on Thursday for the second Test against France, as head coach Scott Robertson gives his players a chance to raise their game after a stuttering 31-27 win in Dunedin. Robertson made just two enforced personnel changes in his starting XV for Saturday's match in Wellington, despite the All Blacks being tested all the way by inexperienced France featuring eight debutants in Dunedin. Patrick Tuipulotu and Caleb Clarke replace captain Scott Barrett and wing Sevu Reece who were both injured in the first Test. Clarke's inclusion means Rieko Ioane will move from the left to the right wing in the only other positional difference to the starting XV that hung on to beat the tourists last Saturday. 'We focused a little bit on continuity,' Robertson said. 'The series is still on. We wanted to give them a chance with all their combinations, guys in the positions they are playing, continuity is a really big part of it.' Uncapped wing Timoci Tavatavanawai is in line for a debut off the bench for the All Blacks, who must overcome not only a young France side but also a poor record in Wellington. Ready to battle in the Capital ⚒️ Saturday 12 July, Sky Stadium Wellington — All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 9, 2025 New Zealand have won only two matches in eight outings at Sky Stadium since 2017, losing four and drawing twice and have a better record at some overseas stadiums such as Ellis Park in South Africa and Twickenham in London. Robertson said the team is aware of the Wellington hoodoo, but looked forward to playing a fast-paced, skill-focused game in front of a sellout crowd. The coach also welcomed some unseasonably warm weather which has greeted the teams as they trained this week, but is set to depart before Saturday's kick-off. 'It's very tropical actually, balmy, there's a bit of UV out there,' Robertson said. 'If the southerly comes in off the Cook Strait then we'll adapt and play into the wind and the rain. 'Our intention is to use our skills as much as we can... be proud, that's our focus.' France will name their team later on Thursday. New Zealand team: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Rieko Ioane, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa'i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Patrick Tuipulotu, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot Substitutes: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Samipeni Finau, 20 Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Damian McKenzie
Reuters
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Reuters
Tavatavanawai gets All Blacks shot, Tuipulotu comes in for injured skipper
WELLINGTON, July 10 (Reuters) - All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made two enforced changes to his starting side for the second test against France and given centre Timoci Tavatavanawai the chance to win his first cap off the bench on Saturday. Patrick Tuipulotu has been named in the second row in place of captain Scott Barrett, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series by a calf tear, and Caleb Clarke comes into the side for Sevu Reece. Reece was concussed when the All Blacks edged a weakened France team 31-27 in Dunedin last Saturday, a performance Robertson will want to see an improvement on this weekend at Wellington Regional Stadium. "Both teams now have a better idea of what they're going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion," Robertson said. "We know where we need to improve." Tavatavanawai, who left Fiji at the age of 16 to pursue his rugby dreams in New Zealand, comes onto the bench in place of Quinn Tupaea as cover for the centre partnership of Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett. The 27-year-old earned his call-up with a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific campaign in which he was a constant threat to the opposition with his power and pace as well as his presence over the ball at the breakdown. Rieko Ioane continues in his new position on the wing but swaps sides to allow Clarke to take up his usual spot on the left flank. Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to skipper the team in his home city and is likely to retain the role for next week's final test in Hamilton. Team: 15–Will Jordan, 14–Rieko Ioane, 13–Billy Proctor, 12–Jordie Barrett, 11–Caleb Clarke, 10–Beauden Barrett, 9–Cam Roigard, 8–Christian Lio-Willie, 7–Ardie Savea, 6–Tupou Vaa'i, 5–Fabian Holland, 4–Patrick Tuipulotu, 3–Fletcher Newell, 2–Codie Taylor, 1–Ethan de Groot Replacements: 16–Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17–Ollie Norris, 18–Pasilio Tosi, 19–Samipeni Finau, 20–Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21–Cortez Ratima, 22–Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23–Damian McKenzie
Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Straits Times
Tavatavanawai gets All Blacks shot, Tuipulotu comes in for injured skipper
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox WELLINGTON - All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made two enforced changes to his starting side for the second test against France and given centre Timoci Tavatavanawai the chance to win his first cap off the bench on Saturday. Patrick Tuipulotu has been named in the second row in place of captain Scott Barrett, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series by a calf tear, and Caleb Clarke comes into the side for Sevu Reece. Reece was concussed when the All Blacks edged a weakened France team 31-27 in Dunedin last Saturday, a performance Robertson will want to see an improvement on this weekend at Wellington Regional Stadium. "Both teams now have a better idea of what they're going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion," Robertson said. "We know where we need to improve." Tavatavanawai, who left Fiji at the age of 16 to pursue his rugby dreams in New Zealand, comes onto the bench in place of Quinn Tupaea as cover for the centre partnership of Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett. The 27-year-old earned his call-up with a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific campaign in which he was a constant threat to the opposition with his power and pace as well as his presence over the ball at the breakdown. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump's ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearing Asia Dr M at 100: Still haunted by the Malay Dilemma Asia South Korean court orders arrest of ex-president Yoon: Yonhap Singapore Singaporean fugitive arrested in Thailand for suspected drug trafficking and handed over to CNB Singapore COE prices rise for all categories Singapore Govt watching job situation for fresh graduates closely, exploring further support: Gan Siow Huang Singapore Man who killed cats by throwing them off HDB blocks has jail term doubled to 27 months Singapore $43k fine for undischarged bankrupt doctor who failed to disclose assets worth over $4m Rieko Ioane continues in his new position on the wing but swaps sides to allow Clarke to take up his usual spot on the left flank. Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to skipper the team in his home city and is likely to retain the role for next week's final test in Hamilton. Team: 15–Will Jordan, 14–Rieko Ioane, 13–Billy Proctor, 12–Jordie Barrett, 11–Caleb Clarke, 10–Beauden Barrett, 9–Cam Roigard, 8–Christian Lio-Willie, 7–Ardie Savea, 6–Tupou Vaa'i, 5–Fabian Holland, 4–Patrick Tuipulotu, 3–Fletcher Newell, 2–Codie Taylor, 1–Ethan de Groot Replacements: 16–Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17–Ollie Norris, 18–Pasilio Tosi, 19–Samipeni Finau, 20–Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21–Cortez Ratima, 22–Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23–Damian McKenzie REUTERS
CNA
11 hours ago
- Sport
- CNA
Tavatavanawai gets All Blacks shot, Tuipulotu comes in for injured skipper
WELLINGTON :All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made two enforced changes to his starting side for the second test against France and given centre Timoci Tavatavanawai the chance to win his first cap off the bench on Saturday. Patrick Tuipulotu has been named in the second row in place of captain Scott Barrett, who has been ruled out of the rest of the series by a calf tear, and Caleb Clarke comes into the side for Sevu Reece. Reece was concussed when the All Blacks edged a weakened France team 31-27 in Dunedin last Saturday, a performance Robertson will want to see an improvement on this weekend at Wellington Regional Stadium. "Both teams now have a better idea of what they're going to get on Saturday night, and both will lift for this next occasion," Robertson said. "We know where we need to improve." Tavatavanawai, who left Fiji at the age of 16 to pursue his rugby dreams in New Zealand, comes onto the bench in place of Quinn Tupaea as cover for the centre partnership of Billy Proctor and Jordie Barrett. The 27-year-old earned his call-up with a brilliant Super Rugby Pacific campaign in which he was a constant threat to the opposition with his power and pace as well as his presence over the ball at the breakdown. Rieko Ioane continues in his new position on the wing but swaps sides to allow Clarke to take up his usual spot on the left flank. Ardie Savea steps up from vice-captain to skipper the team in his home city and is likely to retain the role for next week's final test in Hamilton. Team: 15–Will Jordan, 14–Rieko Ioane, 13–Billy Proctor, 12–Jordie Barrett, 11–Caleb Clarke, 10–Beauden Barrett, 9–Cam Roigard, 8–Christian Lio-Willie, 7–Ardie Savea, 6–Tupou Vaa'i, 5–Fabian Holland, 4–Patrick Tuipulotu, 3–Fletcher Newell, 2–Codie Taylor, 1–Ethan de Groot
