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How to sync your TV with SN‘Huge competition’: Blackadder to make most of All Blacks opportunity
Sport Nation • November 13th, 2026 3:07 pm
Ethan Blackadder | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Ethan Blackadder is ready to make the most of his selection in the All Blacks team to play Wales on Sunday (NZ time), after an intense battle for a spot in the loose forwards.
The 31-year-old said being named by Dave Rennie was special, but remains focused on doing his job for the team and potentially cementing his name in the role.
“There’s always huge competition in this team, been given the nod, so gonna go and enjoy it as much as I can and do my best for the team,” Blackadder told Sport Nation on Friday.
“Any time you put on the black jersey, it's special.”
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Blackadder said the All Blacks were preparing for Wales to bring their best, with the players focused on knowing their roles and delivering on the day.
“We're respecting this Welsh side to be at their best and we've just gone about our work and prepared accordingly.”
“All the guys getting a crack, we've got to make sure we're on, so knowing our roles inside and out and making sure we can go out and perform.”
Beauden Barrett will captain the All Blacks for the first time, with Blackadder praising the veteran’s contribution throughout the season.
“Beaudie's a bit of a legend. He's been bubbling away all season, didn't play a lot in the Greatest Rivalry but then slotted in seamlessly.”
Beauden Barrett | Photo: AP
Blackadder said it was fitting that his last time playing in Wales coincided with Barrett’s 100th Test.
“I actually did a shoey out of his boot. I was going back through the archives, so I thought that was pretty cool.”
Listen to the full interview below:
