Rather than play down the significance of wearing the famous All Blacks No.7 jersey against Argentina in Cordoba on Sunday, Du’Plessis Kirifi says he will use it as "inspiration" to help kick-start his Test career.
The 28-year-old, an eloquent and thoughtful presence off the pitch which has helped him quickly assume leadership roles at the Hurricanes, has played in the jersey before – as recently as last month – but under very different circumstances as he admitted to the media this morning.
After providing impact off the bench in Dunedin and Wellington against France following his inaugural selection in the July squad, Kirifi was named for a similar role for the third Test in Hamilton only to get the nod when starting openside Luke Jacobson injured a quadriceps during the warm-up.
Kirifi played 80 minutes, scoring a try and contributing fully to his side’s 29-19 victory, which was more hard-fought than the scoreline suggests.
“I’m proud of the way I played in that third Test under somewhat unique circumstances,” Kirifi said.
“We talk about being ready for anything and that was a prime example. I was primed to play 20 or 30 minutes off the bench but ended up playing the whole game. I’m proud of my performance and grateful of another opportunity in that 7 jersey.”
And Kirifi is embracing the pressure and expectation that comes with it filling a jersey worn some of the greats of New Zealand rugby such as Graham Mourie, Sir Michael Jones, Richie McCaw and Ardie Savea.
Perhaps the only jersey that surpasses it in the minds of many is the black No.10.
“If you look at the history of the No.7 jersey and the players who have worn it before and what they’ve been able to achieve, and I guess the thousands if not millions they’ve been able to inspire… I definitely do [have to pinch myself]," Kirifi said.
“It’s something to keep me grounded and remind me how privileged I am.
“I’m looking to the past and the history of the No.7 jersey for a lot of inspiration and hopefully provide me with some momentum.”
The reality is, Kirifi would probably have been set for a bench role had Wallace Sititi recovered in time from an ankle injury that has side-lined him since Super Rugby. But it represents another step for a man who was considering giving his All Blacks dream away 12 months ago.
Rather than take up a contract overseas, Kirifi stayed for one last crack and his consistency for the Hurricanes was impossible for Robertson and company to ignore. Kirifi may be inspired by the deeds of those who have gone before him but the Taranaki man is likely to be doing some inspiring too.
Robertson is determined to field as many damaging ball carriers as he can, so Sititi will likely return to No.8 once fit – and potentially for the following weekend’s Test in Buenos Aires.
With converted lock Tupou Vaa'i currently Robertson's first choice at blindside, vice-captain Savea will likely move back to openside for that Test. In the meantime, Kirifi said his priority was to give Savea, who is about to play in his 98th Test, the freedom to do what he excels at.
“His ability to run the ball is obviously second-to-none so having him at 8 is a strength and suits our game,” Kirifi said of Savea.
“It’s just about supporting him to do what he does best and put us on the front foot.”
Kirifi and Savea are a mobile duo and will target Argentina's breakdown. The larger Samipeni Finau is on the bench as a potential reinforcement against what will be a big pack containing former Crusaders' favourite Pablo Matera — a man Robertson described this morning as "my amigo Pablo".
"When Pablo turns up, Argentina turns up," Robertson said. "We know that. He’s a hell of a player. He’s very physical and tough."
Turning to the Test, Kirifi, preparing for his fourth international, struck a pragmatic note, saying: "I’m glad that the first couple of Tests and all the noise about me becoming an All Black is over and I can just focus on training hard and playing well."
With Peter Lakai also waiting in the wings in Jacobson’s absence, Robertson’s loose forward mix was always going to be difficult to predict.
There are few surprises elsewhere, with Cortez Ratima starting at halfback in the absence of Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, with Finlay Christie cover on the bench.
It means Robertson resisted any temptation to experiment with a 7-2 forwards-backs bench, with Christie, Damian McKenzie and Anton Lienert-Brown all named as potential impact players.
Rieko Ioane has again been named to start on the left wing, with Billy Proctor at centre.
Skipper and lock Scott Barrett, out of the last two Tests due to a calf injury, predictably returns to start alongside Fabian Holland.
Meanwhile, the Pumas, who lost to an under-strength England in two Tests in Argentina last month, have been bolstered by European reinforcements and will be difficult to break down.
“They’re a great passing team,” Robertsons said. “They work hard off the ball to create opportunities. They have an experienced backline and forward pack. They’ve been in a lot of battles together. We saw against the Lions what they can create.”
All Blacks team to play Argentina in Cordoba
Kick-off 9.10am, Sunday NZT
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan. Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Damian McKenzie.
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