All Blacks head coach Ian Foster says talented utility back Stephen Perofeta will get more of an opportunity in their end-of-year tour.
Perofeta enjoyed a strong season in Super Rugby Pacific for the Blues, playing particularly well in tandem with veteran All Black Beauden Barrett en route to a losing final in the 2022 edition.
Poor form prevented opportunities
The 25-year-old was named in the All Blacks squad on the back of that form but has only managed a single minute in his Test career thus far.
Foster admits Perofeta was unlucky not to get more game time, but poor results and pressure from fans and media did not allow much rotation within the All Blacks’ matchday 23 during the Rugby Championship.
“Part of being in a team is that you don’t always get the opportunities for everyone,” Foster told Sky Sport NZ’s The Breakdown.
“Certainly with Stephen, we think he’s grown immensely through the last 4-5 months. We loved the way he’s gone about his work.
“The fact he hasn’t really got an opportunity was probably not a lot to do with him. Some of those early results put us under pressure to keep the combinations growing.
“You’ll see his name pop up in the next Test and we’ll try to give him another opportunity on tour.”
Deserves an opportunity
Foster says the All Blacks management feels like they “owe” Perofeta the chance to showcase his skill set at the highest level.
“He’s had 2-3 games back for Taranaki and that’s been good for him. It’s kept him in tune, but he’s a player with a big future,” he added.
“We really feel like we owe Stephen an opportunity to show what he’s learned.”
The All Blacks’ first Test against Japan on October 29 will likely see a starting XV with more of a developmental focus as New Zealand look to build on their Rugby Championship title and towards the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Meanwhile, an All Blacks XV coached by Leon MacDonald and led by Patrick Tuipulotu will clash with Ireland ‘A’ and the Barbarians on October 29 and November 13, respectively. The extended squad will get a chance to put their hand up, including utility star Damian McKenzie, who will be pushing for Rugby World Cup selection.
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