Ruben Love has thrown himself firmly into the race for the All Blacks No 10 jersey after inspiring the Hurricanes to a crushing Super Rugby title triumph on Saturday.
The 25-year-old flyhalf delivered a player-of-the-match performance as the Hurricanes dismantled the Chiefs 60-5 in the final, scoring two tries and setting a new Super Rugby final record with 25 points.
Love controlled proceedings superbly despite difficult windy conditions, steering the Hurricanes’ high-tempo attack and underlining why many believe he is ready for a bigger role at Test level.
MORE: Canes crush Chiefs to take Super Rugby crown
His performance comes just a day before new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie names his first squad for the upcoming Nations Championship Tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
Love is expected to be included, with the debate now shifting to whether he can force his way into the starting side ahead of experienced campaigners Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
Hurricanes co-captain Jordie Barrett believes Love’s development this season has taken his game to another level.
“He’s a guy there with so much talent. He’s been in games where this year he’s learned a lot about himself,” Barrett said.
“In some ways game management can handcuff players, but it’s also a bit of a gift and an art that (flyhalves) learn and evolve throughout their career.
“He has evolved since January when he came back in.”
Ruben Love stop that!
Ruben takes flight and brings up the half century for the @Hurricanesrugby
#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #SRPGrandFinal pic.twitter.com/6tRGSzsYgH
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) June 20, 2026
Love’s previous five Test appearances have included three outings from the bench and two starts at fullback, but his prospects of wearing the No 10 jersey appear stronger than ever.
With Hurricanes teammates Barrett and Cam Roigard also pushing for starting roles, the franchise could have a significant influence on Rennie’s first All Blacks team.
Hurricanes coach Clark Laidlaw said his players had done everything possible to earn national selection.
“They’ve done everything they can,” said Laidlaw.
“It’ll depend on how Dave Rennie wants to play the game and what he’s looking for in each individual.
“We’ve certainly got a lot of good players that are playing some of their best rugby.”
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Love makes All Blacks statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ruben Love has thrown himself firmly into the race for the All Blacks No 10 jersey after inspiring the Hurricanes to a crushing Super Rugby title triumph on Saturday.
The post Love makes All Blacks statement appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
