Vern Cotter on Blues rookie: 'I think Dave Rennie was probably looking at him'

Blues rookie Malachi Wrampling produced another powerful performance in a tough round 14 loss to the ladder-leading Hurricanes on Saturday night, with his head coach Vern Cotter suggesting after the match that the display could have caught the eye of the All Blacks selectors.

Wrampling returned to Auckland after two seasons with the Chiefs ahead of the 2026 season, having missed out on a Super Rugby debut while in Hamilton as he battled injuries and an overcrowded loose forward unit.

Previously, when the now 22-year-old represented New Zealand at the U20 Rugby Championship in 2024, he had quickly established himself as the nation’s most damaging ball-runner. Now, finally getting his chance in Super Rugby, he’s making a similar statement.

The Blues were in desperate need of a spark after falling into a 21-0 hole by halftime at Eden Park, and the young flanker was the only man looking likely to provide it. Come the 49th minute, Wrampling’s damaging form translated to points as he collected the ball off a quick tap seven metres from the try line, with three steps to gather momentum before colliding with former England flanker Brad Shields, who couldn’t contend with the youngster’s leg drive and was dragged over the line.

The line Wrampling took into contact saw him evade the diving tackle of Devan Flanders, while the pace he was able to carry in his post-contact metres took the surrounding Hurricanes defenders by surprise, and despite being close by, they were too slow to react, with Wrampling powering over the line as Shields’ back-up arrived.

 

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The Blues didn’t have many opportunities with the ball in hand in the match, but Wrampling’s contributions in that area were unmistakable. He ended the match as the Blues’ leading carrier and claimed the most carry metres in the process.

Following the game, Cotter was asked for his thoughts on his new recruit’s performance.

“I think Dave Rennie was probably looking at him as well,” the coach said, as captain Patrick Tuipulotu nodded in agreement.

“It was a strong match from him. He’s growing. He’s becoming more consistent. He had a very promising early career as a young player, a schoolboy and such, so to see him now at this level doing what he does, I think he’s a great asset for the Blues.

“When more people can step up and play, grab the ball and just get us over the gainline, things become easier; you get everyone involved, and you loosen the shackles a little bit and have a crack.”