Patrick Tuipulotu describes what having the legendary Tana Umaga as coach means for him, as he gears up to lead the All Blacks in Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener.
Umaga led New Zealand in 21 of his 74 Tests, and is now helping prepare the All Blacks as defence coach ahead of Friday’s clash against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium.
Tuipulotu said the former outside back’s leadership continues to inspire the squad, particularly with the challenges that lie ahead for the Kiwis against the Springboks.
“You look at the experience he’s had being captain, and the amount of games he’s played, a lot of those have been pretty gnarly, tough games because of the Springboks,” the 56-cap lock told reporters on Thursday.
“He’s always been that voice for a lot of us coming up through Super Rugby; to have him here in the All Blacks setup, that hasn’t changed.
“I know his impact in terms of our defence is strong and his voice in the back [of our heads], it’ll help us get along if we need to, especially in those tough times.”
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The Blues skyscraper expects a stern challenge from a tough Stormers outfit he remembers from Super Rugby days.
“I’ve been to South Africa a few times and understand how the club teams play; I’m looking forward to leading this group of men out tomorrow,” he said.
“A lot of them haven’t had a chance to play against South African sides. It’ll be a big challenge in terms of physicality.
“[The Stormers] are a big physical pack, quite common here in South Africa, and keen to get stuck into your lineout, maul, breakdown and ball carrying.”
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The All Blacks have made a starting XV change on the eve of the Cape Town clash, with flanker Anton Segner replacing Wallace Sititi (illness) and Peter Lakai moving to No 8.
Tuipulotu insisted it has done little to disrupt preparations.
“We’ve been together for a week-and-a-half … to slot someone like Anton in there, it’s an easy change for us.”
On what the German-born Segner – with two Tests under the belt for his adoptive country – brings to the team, the 33-year-old added: “A lot of energy, very fit, some good lungs on him so we know he can go for 80-plus minutes.
“He’s good at his core role around the park and in the breakdown, and offers some versatility with his ball carrying and defence.”
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post All Blacks hear Umaga’s voice in ‘gnarly’ times appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Patrick Tuipulotu describes what having the legendary Tana Umaga as coach means for him, as he gears up to lead the All Blacks in Friday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener.
The post All Blacks hear Umaga’s voice in ‘gnarly’ times appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
