Watch: Why fans believe Dylan Pledger ‘should be in the All Blacks’

Dylan Pledger has emerged as a potential All Blacks bolter ahead of the Northern Tour, with fans on social media hoping Scott Robertson rewards the halfback’s standout form with Otago in the NPC this season.

Pledger has scored seven tries in just eight starts for Otago this season, including a double in a nail-biting 44-41 win over Waikato on Friday.  Those two tries went a long way to helping Otago book their place in the semi-finals of New Zealand’s provincial competition.

Fly-half Cameron Miller was the hero in the end, slotting an 81st-minute penalty at Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium to secure the win, but another eye-catching performance from one of New Zealand’s brightest rising stars was a popular talking point post-game.

Three All Blacks were released to play for Waikato in this quarter-final – Samipeni Finau starting at lock, Luke Jacobson in the backrow, and Anton Lienert-Brown lining up in the midfield – but Pledger stole the show.

Otago decided to attack down the blindside in the fourth minute, with Sam Gilbert deciding to chip kick the ball ahead. Pledger regathered possession and wasn’t going to be denied by opposite Xavier Roe, who attempted a try-saving cover tackle.

Otago were first to get on the board through a Dylan Pledger try 🔥pic.twitter.com/KiDoDLyEdj

— Ultimate Rugby (@ultimaterugby) October 10, 2025

Justin Marshall was on commentary for Sky Sport and the former All Blacks halfback was full of praise for the All Blacks prospect. “He is absolutely on fire this season… that’s a fantastic start for Otago,” Marshall exclaimed.

Waikato scored the next 15 points unanswered before Jacobson was shown a yellow card in the 15^th minute. Otago made the most of their one-man advantage, with Jae Broomfield and Will Stodart crossing for one try each before the half-time break.

With Otago leading by just four points at the break, the first score in the second term was always going to be crucial. Pledger delivered a moment of individual brilliance to extend the home side’s lead further, before Lucas Casey scored Otago’s fifth try soon after.

Pledger picked off a Roe pass about 45 seconds into the second half, running about 70 metres to the house. Casey scored six minutes later to extend Otago’s lead to 16 points, but the match was far from over.

Dylan Pledger looks a real prospect in the NPC this season.

The young 9 has serious speed of foot and service.pic.twitter.com/RKELGaEFkR

— EK Rugby Analysis (@ek_rugby) October 10, 2025

Tepaea Cook-Savage and Gilbert traded tries, but Waikato scored the final three five-pointers as they drew level with Otago in the 78^th minute. It set up a grandstand finish which was ultimately decided by the accurate goal-kicking boot of Gilbert.

Otago are through to the NPC semi-finals.

As reactions from that thrilling quarter-final continue to find their way to social media, it’s clear that fans want to see Pledger in a black jersey. Ahead of the All Blacks’ Northern Tour, some supporters believe Pledger’s time is now.

“Dylan Pledger should be in the All Blacks squad for the NH tour. Reminds me of a young David Kirk,” @SamuelHillNZ wrote.

“Dylan Peldger is going to be a star,” @adrian_Slabbert said.

“Pledger has been the standout player of NZs U20s campaign 3 years running,” TNdagijimana added.