Former All Black James Parsons has thrown his weight behind Quinn Tupaea, endorsing him as the top pick for the All Blacks' outside centre. Following a standout performance in the Rugby Championship victory against the Wallabies in Perth, Tupaea, usually an inside centre, showcased his prowess in a new role, scoring two tries and snatching the Player of the Match accolade.
Tupaea's transition into the starting lineup came after consistently impressive performances off the bench, leading to his selection alongside Jordie Barrett for the pivotal match, sidelining Billy Proctor, who had previously started in seven of the eight tests this year. The game concluded with a 28-14 victory for the All Blacks, with Tupaea's offensive display proving crucial.
"He’s so efficient at getting through the collision, like rugby is about you win the collision, you’re going to win the game of footy,"
Parsons explained on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. He further emphasized the strategic impact of Tupaea's style, suggesting it compels opposing teams to adjust their defense, potentially creating opportunities for the All Blacks elsewhere on the field.
Bryn Hall, former Crusaders scrum-half and current player for Japan Rugby League One's Kubota Spears, also praised Tupaea's impact.
"I don’t think a lot needs to change with Quinn,"
Hall noted, admiring the dynamic between Tupaea and Barrett, where their role-switching during the game added a tactical layer to the All Blacks' attack. Hall elaborated on Tupaea's ability to break the advantage line, a quality that enriched the team's offensive strategy and highlighted the physical dominance Tupaea brought to the game.
With upcoming tests against prominent teams like Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, Tupaea’s continued inclusion in the starting lineup seems not only likely but necessary, as both Parsons and Hall underscore his significant contributions and the tactical flexibility he offers the team.
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Former All Black James Parsons has thrown his weight behind Quinn Tupaea, endorsing him as the top pick for the All Blacks' outside centre. Following a standout performance in the Rugby Championship victory against the Wallabies in Perth, Tupaea, usually an inside centre, showcased his prowess in a new role, scoring two tries and snatching the Player of the Match accolade.
Tupaea's transition into the starting lineup came after consistently impressive performances off the bench, leading to his selection alongside Jordie Barrett for the pivotal match, sidelining Billy Proctor, who had previously started in seven of the eight tests this year. The game concluded with a 28-14 victory for the All Blacks, with Tupaea's offensive display proving crucial.
"He’s so efficient at getting through the collision, like rugby is about you win the collision, you’re going to win the game of footy,"
Parsons explained on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod. He further emphasized the strategic impact of Tupaea's style, suggesting it compels opposing teams to adjust their defense, potentially creating opportunities for the All Blacks elsewhere on the field.Bryn Hall, former Crusaders scrum-half and current player for Japan Rugby League One's Kubota Spears, also praised Tupaea's impact.
"I don’t think a lot needs to change with Quinn,"
Hall noted, admiring the dynamic between Tupaea and Barrett, where their role-switching during the game added a tactical layer to the All Blacks' attack. Hall elaborated on Tupaea's ability to break the advantage line, a quality that enriched the team's offensive strategy and highlighted the physical dominance Tupaea brought to the game.With upcoming tests against prominent teams like Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales, Tupaea’s continued inclusion in the starting lineup seems not only likely but necessary, as both Parsons and Hall underscore his significant contributions and the tactical flexibility he offers the team.