The All Blacks’ center race is far from over:
We’re just three weeks away from being named in the first All Blacks squad of the year and some names have surpassed potential Bolter status to be considered contenders for the starting jersey.
This is the case for Hurricanes center Billy Proctor, who has the added benefit of a pre-existing relationship with current All Blacks second five-eighth Jordy Barrett.
The Hurricanes had two key components to their best season since 2015, and their success has raised questions about how secure Rico Ione’s jersey is.
The Barrett-Eoin combination found its rhythm on the way to the Rugby World Cup final in 2023 and the pair were expected to be the face of the All Blacks midfield for years to come.
The All Blacks’ center race is far from over:
However, Proctor has long been a contender for international honours, and his tenacity and instincts on both sides of the ball beyond Barrett in the yellow jersey can remind fans that past midfield combinations from the capital have benefited both clubs and both games. As well as the country.
Proctor’s case is debated on this week’s episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
“Rico is world class, proven at international level,” said former All Black James Parsons. “I think the combination (of Barrett and Proctor) will work and when Billy makes his debut, he’ll have Jordy inside, just to set him up for success.
“Great for Rico, he’s had a challenging year, probably the first time in his career that he’s been hit so hard; Apparently there were several head injuries, and during a seizure. So, I think his focus is just to get his body right and hopefully play a role towards the end for the Blues if they get that far.
The All Blacks’ center race is far from over
“Billy is different. His ability to run and make lines and obviously get himself into some holes but also get the attention of defenders which in those Tests frees up space for (Celesi) Raisi or Ruben Love pays match-level dividends because it’s something different. . The All Blacks’ center race is far from over
“But, those Test matches are going to be won by a very fine margin and the little effort he can put in will give them a chance to win the Test match.”
In 2023, five midfielders were selected in the All Blacks Rugby Championship squad; Barrett, Ian, Anton Lienert-Brown, Braydon Enner, and Dallas McLeod.
The All Blacks’ center race is far from over:
Leinert-Brown’s form dipped further in 2024, prompting another selection for the 29-year-old.
“Rico and Anton have been in that All Blacks environment for a long time, so they’ve got runs on the board and the Razors will know that and the coaching staff will see the proven players that they are,” added Parsons’ co-panellist Brian Hall. The All Blacks’ center race is far from over
“But, at the same time, the thing I love about Billy is his consistency. His worst game is eight (out of 10) and his best game is 10. Such consistency should be handsomely rewarded and he’s been doing it for a long time.
“When the Hurricanes don’t win, usually Billy Proctor isn’t playing. The two games he didn’t play this year, they didn’t win.
The All Blacks’ center race is far from over:
“For me, it’s all the little areas with him; it’s a great line of a lineout strike, it’s a defensive lesson, it’s being able to work hard off the ball and communicate and make good decisions.
“He does it time and time again, not just for the Hurricanes, he’s done it at international level with the New Zealand Maori, and I know it’s a bit of a stretch, but it’s proven the international team against anybody at international level. Don’s surprised when his name (All Blacks)
Who will miss the four midfielders?
It remains to be seen how the poor result will affect the Crusaders’ squad – which also includes David Havili and Levi Aumua – in their selection.
The All Blacks’ center race is far from over:
Parsons shouted once more to the proctor to add one last approval.
“Let’s not forget that Billy has absolutely carved out for the All Blacks XV as well, so he’s ready.
“You just can’t ignore, like Brian said, the last four or five years he’s been world class.”