‘I need to up my game’: Sevu Reece reacts to All Blacks’ ‘crazy’ depth

Sevu Reece has played more than 30 Test matches for New Zealand, but that doesn’t guarantee the Crusaders flyer a spot in Scott Robertson’s next All Blacks squad. With several wingers impressing in Super Rugby Pacific, the race for selection could go a number of ways.

Reece became the equal-top try-scorer in Super Rugby history last week with a runaway effort against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, and is expected to receive All Blacks honours when France visit New Zealand’s shores for a three-Test series.

‘Razor’ Robertson selected Reece for last year’s Northern Tour, alongside incumbents Caleb Clarke, Mark Tele’a and Ruben Love on the wing. Will Jordan shifted from the wing to fullback during The Rugby Championship and now seems more likely to wear the No. 15.

But Caleb Tangitau from the Highlanders, the Chiefs’ Leroy Carter, and one-Test All Black Emoni Narawa have all staked their claim for a spot in the national squad, having impressed for their respective Super Rugby clubs this season.

Kini Naholo was also menacing for the Hurricanes, scoring eight tries in 11 appearances before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Tonga international Kyren Taumoefolau is also reportedly set to join the Chiefs next season, and could change Test allegiances.

After making Super Rugby history with the Crusaders, Reece was asked about the depth and world-class options the All Blacks have to choose from out-wide. Reece was full of praise for the others, saying their form “definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat.”

“You can look at it in two ways. We’re so lucky in New Zealand with the depth we’ve got with wingers is just crazy… Caleb Tangitau, Kini Naholo, Emoni Narawa. Everyone’s competing at that high level,” Reece told RugbyPass.

“Even myself too, I see those boys playing and I’m like, ‘Man, I need to up my game.’ If I’m not scoring tries, I’m trying to be so consistent with my performances on attack and defence, and being a big asset to the team and just doing my job really well.

“It’s not long now until the All Blacks squad is going to be getting finalised. At the end of the day, you can just control what you can control and all that’s out of our control. It’s up to the coaches who they go for.

“It definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat every day you show up to training on Monday, not just for All Blacks but just for your Super teams. For the Crusaders, we had a shocking season last year so for me, this is my priority is the Crusaders.

“If the All Blacks comes, it comes, if it doesn’t, I’ll head further south to Invercargill. But that’s always the dream and the goal to always play for the All Blacks.”

Reece hadn’t scored a try in six matches before racing away for the record-equalling score at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium last week. First five-eighth Rivez Reihana made something special from nothing, breaking through the Tahs’ defensive line before passing the ball onto Reece.

Former All Blacks and Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara is the other co-leader with 65 career tries, with Moana Pasifika’s Julian Savea closely behind with 63. But more history is waiting to be written, and Reece is hoping to make that happen back in Christchurch.

“I got to a point where I was like, ‘I really would love to score a try’ and I ended up chasing it a little bit,” Reece reflected.

“I think tonight, I just tried to play my game. I’m at the point as well now where I’m just like, if it comes, it comes.

“I was so confident I was going to get one try before the season finishes. Just so stoked that I managed to get that one try today.

“The bright side of it, I was saving it, so hopefully we break the record back at home next week,” he added.

“Don’t worry Christchurch, we’ll try break it at home and we can all celebrate together.

“We’ve got a home game next week, what better way to get one more try in front of my family, my people back in Christchurch?”