'Might be a better 13': All Blacks' new centre gem uncovered against Fiji

The All Blacks had six new debutants against Fiji but just one new starter in centre Billy Proctor, who wore the No 13 jersey for the first time.

The 25-year-old had a memorable night, producing multiple line breaks, creating two tries and scoring one on debut in stellar performance.

His showing was so impressive that many believe he “might be better” than incumbent centre Rieko Ioane.

Since 2022, Ioane has been the first choice No 13 taking over from the experienced pair Jack Goodhue and Anton Lienert-Brown.

Proctor’s ability to free up the wingers with brilliant distribution caught the eye of many All Blacks fans.

One wrote that the All Blacks have missed “physicality and distribution at centre” while another said that Proctor is the “best 13 since Goodhue”.

Billy Proctor might be a better 13 than Rieko ngl 👀#AllBlacks #absvfiji

— Ryan 🇳🇿 (@DMAC_1O) July 20, 2024

Billy Proctors' physicality and distribution at centre is something the All Blacks have missed. His last passes to the wingers are perfectly Timed and pinpoint.

— HA'LE (@Riggs3660) July 20, 2024

10/10 – Billy Proctor
How about that for a debut. The best 13 I've seen for the All Blacks since Goodhue. His passing is so far clear of any other 13 in NZ and this changing the dynamic of our backline entirely. Made 95 metres, 7 tackles and 11 carries. And a debut test try.

— BenM (@benmsports) July 20, 2024

Billy Proctor wants to stay in this All Blacks team.

— Ami (@AmiJaneD) July 20, 2024

Half time thought.
I’m loving this midfield combo. #NZLvFIJ

— Mark Stafford (@stafnz) July 20, 2024

3 All Blacks tests, 3 wins, 7 debutants, 2 injured halfbacks + Roigard who didn’t even get to the starting line, 1 genuine conundrum in the midfield and most amazingly no cards of any colour. Largely a good start to the Age of Razor.

— Wellington Sports Guy (@HYoungWelshKiwi) July 20, 2024

Billy Proctor is having a dream All Black debut against Fiji. High quality performance at centre. Good running lines and beautiful hands under pressure. Multiple assists, a try, many line breaks.

— Ben Smith (@bensmithrugby) July 20, 2024

Proctor was the first midfielder debutant to wear the No 13 jersey in his first Test since his brother Matt in 2018, while they became the 28th set of brothers to wear the black jersey.

The centre logged 96 run metres with four line breaks, eight defenders beaten, two try assists and one try which some believe might create a “genuine conundrum” for the All Blacks coaches.

The Proctor’s (Billy & Matt) will become the 28th set of brothers to play in a Test match for the @AllBlacks today.

A further 19 sets of brothers have played for the All Blacks in Tour games. pic.twitter.com/crswTkXLPU

— Rugby Database Stats & Info (@nzrugbydatabase) July 20, 2024

Proctor described his debut as “surreal” on a special night in unique circumstances playing in the United States, a different experience to what most debutants have.

“Yeah it was pretty surreal. I guess it’s still settling in that, you know, just becoming an All Black,” he told media after his debut.

“I guess That’s every kiwi rugby players dream. It was an awesome occasion, cool stadium, you know, 30,000-odd there, fireworks, music.

As for work-ons after an almost perfect night, Proctor said he would have to come up with a better try celebration for next time.

“I got nothing up my sleeve i need to work on that I think, I got nothing,” he laughed.