According to Crusader Halfback and a former Test hooker, Roger Twivasa-Shake should be rewarded with a selection of all-blacks with impressive changes to rugby.
The former NRL superstar’s debut blues season continues at a fast pace for the Highlanders in the 35-6 Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final route on Saturday.
The 2018 Daly M Medal winner tried her first blues but for all her quick legs it was her work on the less glamorous aspects of the inner center game that kept keen observers – and rivals – excited.
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Crusader No. 9 Brian Hall and former All Blacks rack James Parsons discusses the rapid rise of Tuivasa-shake in the rugby pods of Aotiarroa Rugby, which can be streamed on Stan Sport.
“I think the match put him among the All Blacks. I think if I’m being honest,” Hall said.
“We talked about this kind of game, it boosts his confidence to be able to play against the Australian team.
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“Then getting a game against the Highlanders and playing a game like that, I think that game puts him in an all-black frame.”
After the Blues semifinal against Brumbis at Eden Park on Saturday, All Black coach Ian Foster will announce the name of his squad against Ireland on Monday.
With Anton Leinart-Brown injured, the Test No. 12 jersey has been opened, with the likes of Quinn Tupaiya, David Havley, Jack Goodhu and Jordi Barrett competing for the Twivasa-Shake start.
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Foster has previously spoken positively about the professionalism and work ethic of the former Kiwi and Warriors captain, which has seen him take on rugby complications faster than other code-hoppers.
“I think it was Roger’s best round,” Parsons said.
“I just think he’s getting better every week, not just attacking, but defensively.
“He really stood up and delivered when they were under pressure in a big match.
“Roger is just getting better. He looks ready for that level of intensity.”
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