Former All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith says he’s jealous of one particular aspect of Cam Roigard’s game.
Roigard has established himself as New Zealand’s first-choice No 9 and played a key role in their 33-16 victory against the Springboks in the opening Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series at Ellis Park.
Smith, who earned 125 Test caps, has been impressed by the 25-year-old’s development and believes he has taken another significant step this season.
“Man, just wow. Seriously, that boy’s got game,” Smith said on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“It’s so awesome to see him take it to the next level this year, the level where he’s like, ‘I’m the guy now’. What he did at Super Rugby and then the first few Tests this year.”
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Smith highlighted Roigard’s ability to relieve pressure with his boot, pointing to one clearance from deep inside All Blacks territory at Ellis Park.
“His kicking gets us out of so much trouble,” he said. “He did one kick in the first Test where the scrum’s getting buckled, Ardie [Savea] throws it to Quinn [Tupaea], who hits it up, and he kicks it out to 45 from our 5m line.
“I know it’s Ellis Park but he does that regularly and that is such a breath of fresh air.”
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But it is Roigard’s threat around the fringes that Smith wishes he had himself.
“I love his sniper ability, I’m jealous,” he admitted. “I’m still chipping away but, wow, if there is half a hole, it’s a big hole for him.”
Smith also praised Roigard’s all-round influence on the New Zealand attack.
“It looks like he’s infectious to play with, moves the ball, kicks well,” he said. “He’s smart and without him we’re in a bit of trouble.
“When he plays, we’re in good hands. What a player and I have nothing but love for the guy.”
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Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Aaron on Cam: That boy’s got game! appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Former All Blacks scrumhalf Aaron Smith says he’s jealous of one particular aspect of Cam Roigard’s game.
The post Aaron on Cam: That boy’s got game! appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
