Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Robertson likely to look to emerging wing talent ahead of departing Tele'a
Sport Nation • April 16th, 2025 9:45 am
Photo: Photosport
Departing Blues wing Mark Tele'a's services will be surplus to requirement for the All Blacks' upcoming campaign, says Israel Dagg.
On Tuesday, the former World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the year confirmed rumours he'd be leaving NZ rugby to make what appears to be a long-term move to Japan, inking a deal to play under his former coach Ian Foster at Toyota Verblitz at the conclusion of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
Technically, Tele'a will still be available for the All Blacks for this year's international season, which begins in July with a home series against France.
But given his imminent departure and the depth at the wing position, former All Black Dagg believes Scott Robertson will look elsewhere and opt to blood some new young talent at this early stage of the World Cup cycle.
Precedent suggests that may not necessarily be the case, given Sam Cane's inclusion in Robertson's squad last year after having committed to a move to Japan, missing the entire Super Rugby season, and announcing he'd be retiring from international rugby.
Can an Aussie team REALLY win this year's Super Rugby Pacific title | The Bunnings Trade Rugby Run
But Dagg says Cane's experience and relative lack of depth at No. 7 at the time made his situation distinctly dissimilar to 19-cap international Tele'a's and the wealth of alternatives will mean his absence won't be keenly felt.
"This is different," Dagg said on Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy on Thursday.
"Mark Tele'a has had limited opportunities and he is in a position that has been heavily contested throughout this season.
"I'm sure he'll be really valued over in Japan but I'm not concerned, because I think there is so much talent here that will be unlocked this season and given opportunities.
"No disrespect, but I think that ship has, has sailed and I think the coaching group will look at options elsewhere.
The question then becomes - who's the strongest candidate to replace Tele'a as the All Blacks' incumbent starting wing alongside Caleb Clarke?
Caleb Tangitau | Photo: Photosport
Among the leading contenders from Dagg's perspective are the likes of the Chiefs' Emoni Narawa, Highlanders utility Tomoci Tavatavanawai, and Crusaders Sevu Reece and Chay Fihaki, and even the Chiefs' sevens convert Leroy Carter.
But sitting atop that list is another sevens star in Highlanders standout Caleb Tangitau, who has been on a tear since making the bold decision to leave the Blues and head south - a decision that is clearly paying dividends.
"He has been absolutely outstanding.
"I know this decision for Caleb was difficult. He's wanted to be in the Blues around home but he's gone down there and the Highlanders have got him fit and got him absolutely humming."
