“Serves as inspiration,” says All Blacks prospect Cortez Ratima about “chasing” Cameron Roigard
Several All Black greats were forced to retire due to unjustified results after their side lost to South Africa, their fierce rivals in rugby, 12-11 at the Stade de France.
However, just after the exciting conclusion was signaled by referee Wayne Barnes, Smith was shown grinning and carrying his kid as he passed the Webb Ellis Cup. The athletic heritage of New Zealand need to preserve this image.
Enjoying some of his final moments as an All Black with a loved one, Smith crossed that podium to pick up the less desirable silver medal.But it was also the end of an era. It will take some getting accustomed to knowing there is no longer Smith, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, and more.
There seem to be some genuine possibilities for younger players to come up and establish themselves at the Test level now that their slots in the All Blacks lineup are empty.
In the competition to replace Smith at halfback, rising talent Cam Roigard, who made his New Zealand debut last year, appears to be one step ahead. Earlier this month, the Hurricane won the Bronco pre-season match against the All Blacks in a time of four minutes and twelve seconds.
Other All Blacks prospects, such as Cortez Ratima, a different halfback who may challenge Roigard for the No. 9 shirt for years to come, have been placed on notice during that period.
We have essentially been acquainted and played together throughout our academic careers. When questioned about Cam Roigard, Ratima said, “We’re the same age,” to RugbyPass. “He is an actual rival. He is very fit, somewhat muscular, a powerful ball carrier, and has an excellent kick.
In the preseason Bronco, rising sensation Cam Roigard and playmaker Beauden Barrett had leveled the score. “It is likely the goal of every ninth person in New Zealand to be like him. I’ll be pursuing it and making an effort to raise my standard.All it does is elevate the stakes (Roigard’s Bronco time). With Ratima setting a 4.23 time with the Chiefs, he continued, “It’s just something for nines that want to be in that position to aim to.”
“I guess it serves as inspiration only.”
Ratima was assisting the Chiefs from halfback as they navigated the field with the Super Rugby Pacific final at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato last year hanging in the balance.
Ratima did all in his power to save the Chiefs from elimination in the final, having taken over for the now-departed Brad Weber, who was co-captain at the time and signed a contract with Stade Francais in Paris.
However, it was not meant to be as the Chiefs were defeated by the Crusaders. That night, the Chiefs bid farewell to idols of their jersey, just like the All Blacks did following the World Cup final. It was a terrible conclusion to legendary careers.
Less than 50 days remain until the next season begins, giving those who are still in the game the chance to start over. Ratima will have to seize the “opportunity” to wear the No. 9 jersey from the outset.
Why Quade Santini Cooper will be remembered as a legendary Wallabie
Quade Cooper accomplished feats that others were just not able do, placing him atop the Australian first-five Mount Rushmore. As he pursues his “ultimate goal” of becoming an All Black, the 22-year-old Chiefs halfback will seek to impress if he can pull off the feat, which many feel he can.
“I always see it as my ultimate objective. According to Ratima, that is the peak of rugby in New Zealand and the place where every nine would like to be.If you’re not interested in being an All Black, I have no idea what you’re doing.That’s the ambition every single year going into it, along with the obvious goals of winning a Super Rugby championship title and being the team’s ninth player come opening round.
“I’m going to do my best to park them and keep them in sight, but I’m also going to try to live in the moment, do what I can, and take things one step at a time.”Ratima and many other deserving prospects in New Zealand are waiting on the chance to play for the All Blacks, but for now, the halfback is set on Super Rugby Pacific with the Chiefs.
Ratima will have competition for starting roles at the Hamilton-based Super Rugby team from former All Black Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and Chiefs Bronco winner Xavier Roe (time of 41.9).”Competition is healthy here. We are all three pushing each other to improve every single day.
“We’re just trying our hardest to get there in the first round, join the team, and make a contribution.”Still, we adore it. We all get along really well with one another. Xave has been a part of my life as a professional football player. Our relationship is going quite well.