Rugby Bledisloe Cup: New kicking option? Hoskins Sotutu gave freedom of play in the All Blacks’ first start against Wallabies

For the new All Blacks, every day at camp is an opportunity to learn. When picking up what senior coaches and teammates are laying down during the week, when game time comes, it’s simply a matter of getting out there and doing your thing.

It’s a philosophy espoused by Ian Foster and his coaching staff as they turn to rookies like Caleb Clarke and Hoskins Sotutu to fill major game-day roles.

On Saturday night in Sydney, Sotutu will make his first outing for the All Blacks, wearing jersey number 8 for Round 3 of the Bledisloe Cup, with Ardie Savea unavailable.

“We’ve used him twice from the bench and we’re really pleased with his involvement,” Foster said of giving Sotutu his first test outing.

“He has trained well and clearly, he is an 8 that we have been watching closely throughout the year, so we are excited about his pace of work and how he has been learning, and I really think he is excited about this opportunity.

“He has a great skill set, the thing is, we just want to empower him to go out there and play the way he plays. He has a pass, a kick, a running game and he loves to play defense. He’s going to be tested. completely this week, but it’s a great occasion for him. He has spent a few weeks with us and has adjusted very well. “

While Saturday’s game against the Wallabies is only his third test, Sotutu has impressed in replacement roles in recent weeks with his determined career and strong defense. He will join winger Caleb Clarke as the fewest-game players on the starting side, though Clarke has shown that international matches don’t matter once the kickoff whistle blows.

In an expanded role, Sotutu is likely to have more opportunities to utilize his entire skill set, including his ability to get the ball into play. While that’s not a tactic the side will plan, it’s one that Foster is happy to see in play.

“The thing about Hoskins is that I’m not sure I have to give him a license (to kick); the problem is that when you have a lot of tricks you want to use them, and the key is not to inhibit it.” Foster explained.

“He’s shown the back of the scrum at times, the kick is an option and invariably when he does, he’s actually quite good.

“Is it something we’ve talked about tactically? No, we haven’t. But part of the beauty when you bring in young players is that you don’t want to tell them too many things they can’t do.” I think we’ve seen it with Caleb; it’s about getting them excited, enjoying the environment, learning and letting them go and do what they have to do. Hoskins has already shown it when he comes off the bench and we just want to encourage him to do the same. “

All the black people: Karl Tu’inukuafe, Dane Coles, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane, Hoskins Sotutu, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga, Caleb Clarke, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett, Beauden Barrett . Bookings: Codie Taylor, Alex Hodgman, Tyrel Lomax, Scott Barrett, Dalton Papalii, TJ Perenara, Ngani Laumape, Rieko John.