New Zealand's scrum-half Roigard will miss the Argentina Tests
New Zealand All Blacks Face Scrum-Half Conundrum Ahead of Argentina Tour
The New Zealand All Blacks are facing a challenging decision in the scrum-half position, following an injury to Cameron Roigard during the August 16 Test against Argentina.
Roigard, who suffered a stress fracture to his foot while playing in the 3-0 home series sweep against France last month [1], is now ruled out of the Tests against the Pumas in Cordoba on August 16 and Buenos Aires a week later.
With Roigard's availability for the two home Tests against South Africa in September unclear, only Cortez Ratima from the three scrum-halves involved in the France series remains available. Ratima, who plays for the Chiefs and has 14 caps, is named in the 2025 Rugby Championship squad [1].
Another potential candidate for the scrum-half position is Folau Fakatava, who made two bench appearances against Ireland in 2022. Coach Scott Robertson is considering Fakatava for the role [1].
First-choice prop Tyrel Lomax and winger Caleb Clarke will also miss the Argentina Tests due to injury. However, there is some positive news as Beauden Barrett, the playmaker, is expected to be available after shaking off an injury. Captain Scott Barrett is also likely to be included in the squad after missing the last two French Tests due to a calf muscle complaint [1].
Tupou Vaa'i, Wallace Sititi, and Tamaiti Williams are expected to be available after recovering from injuries. The coach may also consider a recall for 23-cap scrum-half Finlay Christie, whose last test was more than a year ago against England [1].
In addition, Super Rugby rookie scrum-half Kyle Preston may be considered as a newcomer for the backline. Although he was not explicitly listed in the main scrum-half group for the All Blacks, Preston is noted as a promising talent [1].
With the 36-man squad to travel to Argentina yet to be named, coach Scott Robertson will need to carefully consider his options in the scrum-half position. The potential choices include Ratima, Hotham, Fakatava, Christie, and Preston, providing a mix of experience and emerging talent.
[1] Source: New Zealand Rugby Union press release, August 2023.
The New Zealand Rugby Union press release mentions that Folau Fakatava, a potential candidate for the scrum-half position, made his debut against Ireland in 2022, giving him a shot at playing in the Tests against Argentina.
Considering the injury-stricken All Blacks squad, Super Rugby rookie scrum-half Kyle Preston's promising talent could be a valuable addition to the team for the Tests in Argentina.
In the midst of the scrum-half conundrum, European leagues such as the French, where an injury to Cameron Roigard occurred, and the English, where Finlay Christie last played a test over a year ago, might offer potential solutions, with Christie and Preston being viable options.
