BBC Rugby Union: Blues Lock Sam Darry Poised for All Blacks Breakthrough
According to rugby union legends Sir John Kirwan and Jeff Wilson, Blues lock Sam Darry has the potential to earn a coveted spot in the prestigious All Blacks squad. The 23-year-old has delivered an impressive 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, helping the Auckland franchise secure a second-place finish and a home quarter-final clash.
“He might not be three but he will be forth lock for sure. I think he will be in the squad.”
- Sir John Kirwan
Though Darry missed the Blues’ recent playoff victory over Fijian Drua, he has returned to the starting XV for their semi-final showdown against the Brumbies on Friday. Kirwan, speaking on The Breakdown, was unequivocal in his assessment of Darry’s burgeoning talent, stating: “He might not be three but he will be forth lock for sure. I think he will be in the squad.”
The former All Black acknowledged the shortage of depth in the second row for the national team, suggesting Darry could seize the opportunity to establish himself alongside the experienced Scott Barrett. Fellow All Blacks great Jeff Wilson echoed these sentiments, praising Darry’s physical development and asserting that his quality of play when fit is deserving of elevation to the international stage.
“When he has been out there, he’s looked really, really good. I’m not so worried about the injury thing, it’s the type of player you would need at the next level.”
- Jeff Wilson
However, Darry’s injury history over the past two seasons has raised some concerns, with the young lock missing significant game time. Nevertheless, Wilson believes these setbacks should not overshadow Darry’s immense potential, stating: “When he has been out there, he’s looked really, really good. I’m not so worried about the injury thing, it’s the type of player you would need at the next level.”
With the retirement of iconic locks Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock, the All Blacks coaching staff, led by Scott Robertson, face the challenge of identifying suitable replacements. While Barrett and Tupou Vaa’i are expected to shoulder much of the responsibility, the door remains open for Darry and other aspiring second-row talents to cement their place in the national setup.
As the business end of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign approaches, Sam Darry will have the opportunity to bolster his case for All Blacks selection with standout performances in the semi-final and potentially the final. With the endorsement of Kirwan and Wilson, the young Blues lock is poised to take the next step in his burgeoning international career.
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