All Blacks Legend Kirwan Backs Blues Star Sotutu for Potential Game-Changing Opportunity
Rugby icon Sir John Kirwan has strongly advocated for Hoskins Sotutu’s inclusion in the upcoming All Blacks squad, insisting the Blues sensation could be a game-changer for Scott Robertson’s men.
The 25-year-old back-row has been in scintillating form in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, helping Vern Cotter’s table-topping Blues side defeat their closest rivals the Hurricanes 31-27 last weekend.
“For me, he has definitely got to be in the mix because he brings you that X-factor. We haven’t had that X-factor,” the All Blacks legend stated on The Breakdown. “Somebody that can kick the ball, somebody that can off-load behind the tackle – there are a lot of great loose forwards but I don’t think they’ve got his skill set.”
Fellow All Blacks great Mils Muliaina echoed Kirwan’s sentiments, suggesting Robertson may consider shifting Ardie Savea, the reigning World Rugby Player of the Year, to the flanker position to accommodate Sotutu’s unique abilities at number eight.
“I think his skill set might throw a spanner in the works for the All Blacks in terms of the loose trio,” Muliaina observed. “Does he start at eight and Ardie move around? I think his skill set is a little bit different and might lead to the All Blacks coaches saying, ‘hang on, let’s give this guy a shot’.”
With the All Blacks set to face England and Fiji in July, Kirwan believes Sotutu’s dynamic presence off the bench could prove crucial.
“Against England, who do you want coming on late? Let’s say Ardie (Savea) starts, but who do you want coming on late? Do you want someone like Hoskins, who can really break a game open? I would rather have someone like that coming on, who has that sort of skill set.”
🔗 Source
