Stephen Donald says Ruben Love deserves a “flying pass” for his performances for the All Blacks against the Springboks, despite being dropped in favour of Richie Mo’unga.
Love started the All Blacks’ first six Tests under Dave Rennie, including three on the Greatest Rivalry tour, but now has to make way for the returning Mo’unga in Baltimore. Speaking on The Aftermatch with Kirst and Beav, Donald backed the 25-year-old’s body of work against the world champions.
“The verdict is if you go to a World Cup tomorrow then you’re more than comfortable if Ruben is wearing the number 10 jersey,” Donald said.
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Asked whether Love would be his World Cup flyhalf, Donald acknowledged the picture is complicated by Mo’unga’s return, but was full of praise for how Love handled three consecutive Tests against South Africa.
“That’s the complicated thing because we’ve brought back Mo’unga,” Donald said.
“But if we are looking specifically at Ruben Love, how’s he gone? I think he’s gone great considering he won’t have a greater examination. It’s one thing to play one game against a team one weekend, to go back there three weekends in a row, that’s huge.
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“When we were coming home strong in Cape Town, it was Ruben who was starting to poke his head through and was starting to find gaps.”
Donald says Love was forced to adapt his game on this tour, and believes he’s done a good job.
“I guess going from Super Rugby, it was supposed to be this pyjama rugby that was glorified touch footy. Well, the greatest contrast to that is playing the Springboks and he’s gone from playing razzle-dazzle with the Hurricanes to now steering an All Blacks ship against the Springboks, who play a completely different game, and he stood up massively. Obviously, the chat’s going to come and the pressure is going to come from Richie once Richie gets his feet back.”
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Photo: Roger Sedres/Gallo Images
The post Beav has nothing but love for Ruben appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Stephen Donald says Ruben Love deserves a “flying pass” for his performances for the All Blacks against the Springboks, despite being dropped in favour of Richie Mo’unga.
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