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Chiefs prodigy Ratima balances expectation ahead of huge opportunity
The No 9 jersey is primed for a new era in New Zealand, one without the services of all-time great Aaron Smith.
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Cortez Ratima is one of the leading names in the race for first-time All Blacks honours in 2024 and is set to inherit the starting Chiefs job from Brad Weber, who has taken up a contract in France.
Ratima will face stiff competition with each of New Zealand’s Super Rugby squads boasting potential or established All Blacks talent at his position, but where Ratima owns the upper hand is his relationship with his Chiefs halves partner, Damian Mckenzie.
Incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is a firm believer in selecting for team chemistry as much as individual talent. Only time will tell how that influences All Blacks selection, but Ratima knows being the yin to McKenzie’s yang is easier said than done.
“I remember Brad (Weber) said in an interview that he had played with him (McKenzie) for eight or 10 years and he still didn’t know what Damian was going to do,” he was quoted saying for the Chiefs website. “You just adapt and try to react to whatever he calls because he makes the magic happen.”
The youngster can’t get too far ahead of himself though, currently dealing with a high ankle sprain that has him sidelined from most of preseason training.
“I’ve just been trying to get that right, and the body right, for pre-season training. They’re an annoying type of injury, I couldn’t get out and do any running. I’ve been stuck on the bike for the last eight weeks. It’s been good to start running again.”
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Should he take too long to return, offering a playing opportunity to talented teammates in Xavier Roe and Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi may well see the race for the starting job in Hamilton heat up even further. That’s not a concern Ratima will burden himself with.
“I’m looking forward to the year, putting my best foot forward and competing at training, and let the coaches do their job.”
With eyes on the All Blacks, Ratima will lean on his various international experiences with the New Zealand Under-20s, the New Zealand M?ori Under-20s and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sevens as well as of course the All Blacks XV, with whom he the UK in 2022.
“It was my first time going away with a New Zealand side, and I enjoyed being around the high-performance players to learn from them. Being around TJ [Perenara] and Cam [Roigard] was there as well, it was awesome to be in that environment and get a taste of what it is like.”
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Perenara now offers All Blacks selectors the only real option for international experience at the halfback position. Elsewhere, Roigard, Finlay Christie and Folau Fakatava each have a few caps to their names while Ratima joins Crusaders youngster Noah Hotham in hoping for a maiden call-up in 2024.
Whoever steps up to the plate, the Chiefs prodigy is ready for whatever competition comes his way.
“I’m sure they’re ready to go and rearing to get the opportunity to play good minutes.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Kinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
4 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
4 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
4 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to comments