The All Blacks star one coach says is among world’s best in his position

All Blacks assistant coach Mike Blair believes Cam Roigard’s form is right up there with the best halfbacks in the world, with the No. 9 scoring three tries in Nations Championship appearances against France and Italy.

Roigard helped the Hurricanes secure a drought-breaking Super Rugby Pacific title last month before returning to the international arena, linking up with Ruben Love in the halves in the first two matches of the season.

The 25-year-old put in a mammoth 75-minute shift and touched down for a double as the All Blacks kicked off their new era under coach Dave Rennie with a win, overcoming Les Bleus 34-32 in a nail-biter at One New Zealand Stadium.

Rennie retained the same halves pairing of Roigard and Love for a trip to the capital, with the All Blacks beating Italy by 30 points. Cortez Ratima has provided scrum-half cover off the bench, while Kyle Preston is another option in the squad.

“They’re three cracking players, aren’t they? And we’ve got other guys waiting in the wings to come in as well,” Blair told reporters at North Harbour Stadium.

“I’m really enjoying working with them. I think there’s raw talent with all three of them.

“Cam’s playing some of the best rugby of nines in world rugby at the moment. He’s got a load of confidence but he’s got a couple of guys snapping at his heels as well, who have a brilliant work ethic and great talent as well.”

Roigard is nearing the 20-Test marker, having emerged as New Zealand’s leading No. 9 after the 2023 Rugby World Cup. There were big shoes to fill following the departure of All Blacks great Aaron Smith, but Roigard has quickly become a fan favourite.

Love is another player on the rise within the All Blacks set-up, having got the chance to start in the No. 10 jersey for the first time against France. The first five-eighth was shown an early yellow card for a high shot but recovered, putting in a strong performance against Les Bleus.

The All Blacks haven’t had a backup first five on the bench in either Test, with fullback Damian McKenzie covering that role. Test veteran Beauden Barrett hasn’t featured this international season yet, but continues to play an important role at training.

“Been really pleased with Ruben. It’s difficult coming in as a 10 and leading the team as a young player but he’s done that on the back of a brilliant season with Hurricanes and leading the group there,” Blair said.

“He hasn’t skipped a beat all week. The campaign he’s been a really impressive young man and I think what he’s shown on the pitch has been impressive as well.

“It will be a difficult period for him I’m sure seeing Ruben come in but I think he’ll understand that as well. Ruben is a young 10 coming through, it’s important to give him a couple of games to steady his feet, to allow him to learn,” he added.

“But Beauden’s still very much in the picture.”