New Zealand rugby is not exactly washed away with emerging playmakers who demand that they be ready to envision the mantle. However, one candidate has proven promising prospects that will eventually evolve into the fifth- and eighth future All Blacks.
When Borden Barrett, Damien Mackenzie and he return from Japan next year, Richie Moanga will compete for the All Blacks No. 10 jersey until the 2027 World Cup. But beyond that point, the coveted backline director duties are available.
Barrett could potentially win cash by finishing his career abroad after the World Cup. Mackenzie re-signed NZ Rugby until 2029, but his contract has sabbatical clauses, and the long-term future for Moga is uncertain.
Therefore, there is an urgent need for all black people to develop depth at the first five o’clock.
Bruce playmaker Stephen Perofetta endured a confused campaign of injuries and was preferred at fullback at the All Blacks’ first 5 and above. By 2027, he could be ready to move on too.
Josh Jakombu is one of the next taxis, but Mackenzie remains with the Chiefs, but his experience in the 10th place saddle is limited and he stunts his ability to kick.
Aside from the goal kick, Taha Kemala offered a glimpse of his promise before his crusades’ season-ending injury, but the candidate who will ultimately grab the reins is Reuben Love.
With an injury that wiped out many of the Hurricane playmakers this season, it’s more coincidence than design, but after switching from fullback to the first five in the past month, Ai has given the All Blacks selector another dynamic that heavily considers.
In stretching with love, which is intended for control, the Hurricane is undefeated with three wins from the four and three wins with a disappointing draw with Perth’s Western army.
Love is far from the finished product as a backline director, but the 24-year-old has time to mature on his first test.
There is no need to rush to develop Love as New Zealand’s Barrett, Mackenzie, Perofetta and Moanga are scheduled to return home next year.
Last year Love marked his Test debut by scoring two tries on the wing against Japan in Tokyo. His dynamic offensive threat from the fullback appeal seems like his future against the hurricane is the first five years old, and he should also push his potential for the All Blacks.
“At this point, I’m happy to bounce back between the two positions. I don’t know where a rugby journey will wisely take me,” Love said.
“In my head, I want to be the best player in the world. In those 10 and 15, the positions are very similar. You can learn more because the 10 becomes a better fullback and vice versa. I love both.
“I’ve seen a lot of Borden and DMAC (McKenzie) what I’m asking from my coach about how to talk to the boys around me, how to make up a week.
“I was a year older and after being in the All Blacks environment, I wanted to go back to the hurricane and become more leadership and give the boys around me confidence.
“I feel like I’m matured as a player over the last few years. I’ve come in early and have seen how to control the game by getting touch by getting the territorial fights.
“If you say I’m just a ball runner, they haven’t seen the tape because my kick game was good this year. I know what the coaches want, I know what the players around me need.
Despite multiple injury retreats – almost a year with gro caliber injuries, he was forced to sit for the first four games of the season after undergoing an ankle reconstruction at the end of 2024.
Aside from the love dedication and drive of his talent, it suggests that he will gradually improve after being closely coached by TJ Perenala.
Hurricane coach Clark Laidrow emphasizes his professionalism in love and his burning desire for more every week.
“These attributes allow you to drive it and demand many other people when you’re a top expert, when you have really good habits, when you understand the game tactically,” Laidlaw said. “That’s what you need in the 10. That’s the exciting part.
“I’m a bit unsure if he’s supposed to play 10 for the rest of his career or if he continues to be like Damian McKenzie, whether he’s both really playing well, but we certainly enjoy what he did last month.
“At the Super Rugby level, I saw real encouragement signs from Reuben, who has the skills to put the ball, beyond his ability to control the tempo.
While fully invested this weekend in a hurricane pushing the continuing playoffs against Brisbane’s Reds, Love doesn’t keep his intentions secret to solidifying his long-term All-Black status.
“I never once reached the top of the mountain and admired the scenery. I always believed that wasn’t what I was doing. It was special for my friends and family to talk about how far the journey has passed, but I want to keep so many games that I’m proud of, and I don’t want to test one.
“I’ve just re-signed for four years now. Being black has always been a dream, so I’ll keep pushing hard. I want to make sure I’m the best role model I can do for my family and for the kids in the Wellington and Palmerston North community.”
Whether it’s 10 o’clock or 15, Love is making progress to become an extremely valuable playmaker for the All Blacks.