Ruben Love’s rise to the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park has been anything but straightforward.
The 25-year-old returns to South Africa for his second tour with New Zealand, but this time as the man entrusted with steering the All Blacks in one of rugby’s biggest rivalries.
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Two years ago, Love was still regarded as a development prospect. His only Test appearance in 2024 came off the bench against Japan, while uncertainty remained over whether his future lay at flyhalf or fullback.
Injury setbacks and self-doubt only added to the uncertainty.
Now, Love says the difficult period forced him to take a hard look at himself.
“It’s pretty special being here because the two years before this I didn’t really play much for the All Blacks,” Love told the New Zealand Herald.
“I was training a lot of the time. It certainly allowed me to look at myself on and off the field and why I wasn’t playing. That’s purely because I probably wasn’t good enough. You have to take that personally and reflect on your game.”
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That reflection became a turning point.
After the 2024 end-of-year tour, Love returned home and committed himself to earning the Hurricanes’ No 10 jersey and, ultimately, the All Blacks’ role.
“I had a common goal at the end of the off-season to be the 10 for the Hurricanes and 10 for the All Blacks,” he said.
“It took a lot of hard work, off the field more than anything, to have the self-belief that I could do it.
“It’s worked out okay but there’s still a long way to go. I haven’t done anything yet.”
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Love says he’s bracing himself for possibly his biggest Test yet, with the world champions poised to test the full extent of his skill set.
“I know these next few games are going to be way different in terms of the kick pressure and those sorts of things,” Love said.
“I’ll keep riding the wave and know that all the keys the coaches give me allow us to get out of pressure moments.”
Photo: Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images
The post Love opens up on All Blacks self-doubt appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Ruben Love’s rise to the All Blacks’ No 10 jersey ahead of Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park has been anything but straightforward.
The post Love opens up on All Blacks self-doubt appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
