Source: Radio New Zealand
Roigard is still coming to terms with his status as a world elite, and in no way expects his selection to be set in stone. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
He will likely be one of the first names penned on Dave Rennie’s team-sheet, but Cam Roigard is happy to earn his All Black jersey through form, not reputation.
The new All Black coach said today that under his rule, he will have no loyalties to incumbents, but will instead reward recent performance.
Roigard, regarded as one of the best number nines on the planet, welcomes the approach.
“That’s great for the players you need a bit of edge, picking based on performance, I wouldn’t expect anything different. Nothing is guaranteed in professional sport, I’m going to be doing anything I can to hopefully get an opportunity later in the year.”
The 25-year-old said having no player inked on the sheet would only drive competition.
“There are obviously particular players that are expected to be in the All Black side but I think from a fresh perspective, it’s great that there are no agendas, you want the All Blacks players playing their best footy.”
Roigard is still coming to terms with his status as a world elite, and in no way expects his selection to be set in stone.
“That opinion of me being the first picked is very fresh. My whole career I have been trying to earn my way into a team and I feel like I still have a lot to give to the game, although I’m flattered by the compliments, I don’t feel I have earnt a spot in the All Blacks. I just want to be as consistent as I can.”
Roigard said while he did his best to focus on his Super Rugby campaign with the Hurricanes, there was no doubt a feeling of unease between Robertson’s sacking and Rennie’s appointment.
“There was uncertainty. A lot of people asked me what I think and stuff like that but it was good I was involved with the Hurricanes and could trust the process that NZR went through to select the right man. While they were doing that, I was able to do what I get paid to do, I’m not a coach, I’m not a journalist, I didn’t need to speculate about what’s going on so I wasn’t too rattled by it, but it’s good to have certainty and from the reactions of the other players I can see everyone is pretty excited about it.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
