Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes coach Jason Holland backs Ruben Love to make All Blacks squad

Hurricanes head coach Jason Holland is backing promising utility back Ruben Love to continue his fine form and earn a call-up to the All Blacks squad in a World Cup year.

Love might be just 21 years old, but he has earned rave reviews in New Zealand where he shone at full-back for the Wellington Lions during their victorious National Provincial Championship (NPC) campaign in 2022.

In excellent form in 2022

The young playmaker, who has also featured at fly-half for Wellington and the Hurricanes, scored six NPC tries, including one in the final against Canterbury, and represented the Maori All Blacks and All Blacks XV with distinction in 2022.

And with Jordie Barrett firmly entrenched as New Zealand and the Hurricanes’ first choice inside centre, Holland believes Love could be an All Blacks bolter some time this year.

“He had a pretty special season for the Lions at 15, Rubes,” Holland told Stuff.

“The time and space thing was awesome for him and we saw how effective he is with ball in hand.

“We take a lot of satisfaction in players being selected as All Blacks, especially the bolters who haven’t had a look in before.

“Behind the scenes we have a drive as a management to get as many people into that All Blacks set-up, and hopefully there’s more than Rubes as we reckon we could have three or four bolters.

“It’s up to us to play some good footy and to win some footy so they get those rewards.”

Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo’unga are almost certain to be All Blacks head coach Ian Foster’s two fly-halves in his World Cup squad, but there will be a spot open for a utility back who can slot in at fly-half and full-back.

Damian McKenzie and Stephen Perofeta have been occupying that role in recent seasons but if Love has a good Super Rugby Pacific campaign with the Hurricanes, he should also be in the selection mix.

Featured at 10 for Hurricanes last year

Love and another 21-year-old, Aidan Morgan, shared fly-half duties for the Hurricanes in 2022 but they have signed one-Test All Black and former Crusaders pivot Brett Cameron, who will also be in the running to start in the number 10 jersey for them this season.

However, Love looks set to do battle with Josh Moorby for the team’s full-back position.

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