(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
All Blacks Face Halfback Shake-Up Ahead of Rugby Championship Opener
Injuries can sometimes open doors for rising talent — and that’s exactly what’s happening for the All Blacks ahead of this weekend’s Rugby Championship kickoff. With halfbacks Noah Hotham and Cameron Roigard sidelined, New Zealand’s depth at No. 9 is being tested.
Head coach Scott Robertson and his selectors have called in two replacements — experienced Blues halfback Finlay Christie and exciting newcomer Kyle Preston. However, only one bench spot is available, with Cortez Ratima strongly tipped to start in the coveted scrum-half role.
Christie, a 23-Test veteran over five years, is eager to reestablish himself after more than a year away from the national frame. Preston, meanwhile, has enjoyed a meteoric rise — winning the Bunnings NPC with Wellington last year before being snapped up by the Crusaders for Super Rugby Pacific 2025.
Rugby greats are already weighing in. Former All Black halfback Justin Marshall believes Ratima should get the nod, arguing that selectors have invested heavily in his development over recent seasons.
“For me, Cortez will start — he has to start,” Marshall said on The Breakdown. “He’s been in the mix as the second-best scrum-half in the country, even when Hotham was fit. If you can’t slot him in now, when Roigard is out, something’s wrong.”
Marshall acknowledged Christie’s experience but feels Ratima has earned the chance to prove himself.
Former All Black Jeff Wilson shares that sentiment.
“If he was your next guy off the rank and could start other Test matches, then surely he should get his chance here,” Wilson said. “I’m comfortable with that.”
The All Blacks open their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina in Córdoba this Sunday morning (NZT) — and all eyes will be on who takes that No. 9 jersey.
