Cam Roigard is primed to make his return for the All Blacks following the 2023 Rugby World Cup, as he gears up for the upcoming match against Japan.
The 23-year-old half-back endured a challenging season after sustaining a serious knee injury early in the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, which sidelined him for the July internationals and the Rugby Championship. Roigard, however, has shown determination in his recovery, returning to fitness and making an impact off the bench for Counties Manukau in the National Provincial Championship (NPC) against Manawatu, where he scored a remarkable brace.
“He Needs Footy”
Roigard’s performance and resilience have earned him a recall to Scott Robertson’s squad for the Japan clash and the All Blacks’ northern tour, which includes matches against England, France, Ireland, and Italy.
While some of the All Blacks’ star players will leave Japan early to acclimatise in the United Kingdom for their Twickenham clash, Robertson indicated that Roigard would likely not be part of that group, saying he would instead feature in the Japan game.
“He needs footy yeah, without naming the team,” Robertson shared when asked if Roigard needed more game time.
“Look he’s a hell of an athlete as we know, and the knee’s good, his decision-making has been really good, it’s just time on the field, hands on the ball and let the instinct kick in and we are starting to see it.”
Succession Plans for the Half-Back Position
With TJ Perenara set to retire from international rugby following the November Tests, the All Blacks are looking for a long-term successor to the centurion Aaron Smith, who concluded his Test career at the 2023 World Cup.
Roigard has emerged as a strong candidate for the role, even amid competition from Cortez Ratima, who impressed during the Rugby Championship. Robertson has been vocal about Roigard’s potential and the skill set he brings to the All Blacks’ game plan.
“He brings a real dimension, especially when he gets quick ball,” Robertson noted.
“He has got a great left foot and his kicking style it compliments us, we got three left footers so he just complements us where we’re on the field and just creates with the length of his kick and height.”
Roigard’s Journey So Far
Roigard made his Test debut for the All Blacks last year, coming off the bench to replace Smith in their 38-7 victory over Australia in Melbourne. He earned his second cap a month later in New Zealand’s final World Cup warm-up match, scoring the team’s only try in a 35-7 loss to the Springboks at Twickenham Stadium. This performance solidified his place in the All Blacks squad for the World Cup, where he contributed to pool-stage matches against Namibia, Italy, and Uruguay.
Throughout these games, Roigard showcased his skills, crossing the whitewash twice and setting up six tries. However, despite his promising form, he did not feature again for the remainder of the tournament. Now, with five Test caps, Roigard is looking to add to his tally and challenge for the role of first-choice half-back as the All Blacks embark on their northern tour.
