Scott Robertson has addressed the surprise omission of young scrumhalf Dylan Pledger from both the All Blacks and All Blacks XV squads for next month’s European tours.
Pledger, one of the standouts of this year’s NPC, had been widely tipped for higher honours following a breakout season for Otago, but was left out of both touring squads announced last week.
Robertson says his time will come once his body is ready for the demands of Test rugby.
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Speaking on The Breakdown, Robertson said there was no question about Pledger’s talent – only about timing.
“Of course there’s going to be a bolter,” Robertson said. “It’s a great mark of your environment when players come in and go straight into the highest level, and we’ve had a few this year and over the last couple of years.
“If you look at someone like Dylan, who’s obviously a prodigious talent, learning his craft – he’s 74kg and quite a few games in. He’s going to be better for getting under a bench press this off-season and building his body to get into Super Rugby and play at that level.”
Robertson confirmed he had discussed the young halfback’s progress with All Blacks XV coach Jamie Joseph, and both agreed that Pledger’s elevation should come at the right time rather than too early.
“He’s there. He’ll be coming at the right time,” Robertson said. “I talked to Jamie a lot about him and his timing; when do we give him his opportunity? We’ve got three other really great halfbacks – well, six on tour for us – and his time will come.”
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With Noah Hotham sidelined through injury, the All Blacks have named Finlay Christie, Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima as their touring halfbacks. Joseph’s All Blacks XV squad includes Folau Fakatava, Kyle Preston, and Xavier Roe.
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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