The midfield battle is again expected to be intense when the Springboks and All Blacks clash for a third consecutive Saturday.
All Blacks centre Quinn Tupaea is set to resume his midfield partnership with Jordie Barrett at FNB Stadium for the third Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Speaking to RugbyPass in Cape Town, Tupaea praised Barrett’s playmaking and explained how they have developed an understanding to adapt to all situations on the field.
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“It’s been awesome. He’s in some form at the moment; I think he’s the best 12 in the world,” Tupaea said.
“So, we know each other’s strengths, and you’ll see that on the field. We change around a little bit. I like to work around him; he’s a great playmaker, so I just give him some space and then work off him because he’s going to make things happen.
“We know each other’s skills, and we can adapt on the fly if someone needs to do something for the other.”
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Tupaea has also had to adapt to a positional switch, moving to outside centre since becoming a regular All Blacks starter.
He admits the transition to No 13 “took a few games”, but the 27-year-old has had plenty of support, including from All Blacks legend and current defence coach Tana Umaga.
“When you move positions, you have to think a little bit more, and it doesn’t come as easy or flow as nicely, so it took a couple of games to get that, and training and learning off guys that have played centre before,” Tupaea explained.
“I think my transition’s where it needs to be at the moment. Very happy where I’m at, but there’s a lot of growth to come.”
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Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
The post ‘He’s the best 12 in the world’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The midfield battle is again expected to be intense when the Springboks and All Blacks clash for a third consecutive Saturday.
The post ‘He’s the best 12 in the world’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
