Another excellent performance from Charles Piutau will have given All Blacks coach Steve Hansen plenty to think about ahead of next week’s rugby Test against France.
The 22-year-old Blues back scored two of New Zealand’s eight tries in their 54-6 win against Japan in Tokyo on Saturday and in the process likely put himself in the running for the right wing berth in Paris.
Backing up from his first start against Australia in Dunedin a fortnight ago, where he did pretty much everything but score, Piutau admitted it was nice finally to get some points on the board in his eighth Test.
“It was awesome,” he said.
“I had a bit of a drought in the first few games so it’s a good feeling being able to finish off and complement the guys that did all the hard work on the inside.”
Piutau’s speed and footwork got him on the outside of the Japanese defence and he linked well with fullback Beauden Barrett – then replacement Tom Taylor – and centre Ben Smith.
Aside from his own tries, he had a hand in several others, most notably Smith’s in the first half.
Hansen acknowledged Piutau’s contribution, saying he had played well, scored two good tries and was unlucky not to get another.
But Piutau wouldn’t be drawn on whether he had done enough to put pressure on more established names, such as the returning Cory Jane.
“For me, it’s just getting the opportunities and making the most of it,” he said.
“Whatever the coaches are telling me to do that week, I’m trying to do that to the best of my ability.”
It was Piutau’s opener that broke the deadlock in the 10th minute.
But it took until the 27th minute for the next five-pointer to come and he admitted the All Blacks had got sucked into playing Japan at their own game.
“We didn’t really want to get into throwing the ball around but it kind of did happen like that,” he said.
“We didn’t get into our structures as well as we wanted to. In that first 20 minutes, they really came out passionate playing in front of a home crowd.”
thewoodster
Guest
Only thing missing is xfactor speed, jane edges him out.
Chas
Guest
Yep
Chan Wee
Guest
what has happened now is that there are a lot of wings / full backs to supply 2 teams, easily.. Savea, Jane, B Smith, Piutau, Halai, Barrett, Dagg, Taylor. basically 4 centers in Conrad, Nonu, Saili, Crotty (and maybe SBW to come). That is 12 covering the back 5 ...... Whoever is not injured and doing well will be in the RWC squad.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Didn't notice him to be honest.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Charles Piutau is awesome. I really thought Ben Smith could make a real fist of playing 13 but he just doesn't seem to have the same impact in that position. I would love to see Piutau and Smith swap positions. Piutau would be lethal running in the midfield he is so strong and explosive. I'm not sure Saili is ready for the AB's yet. I think even Tom Taylor could be a better prospect at 12 then Saili right at this moment. The guys who have very very good basic skills and low error rates seem to do well in the Ab's.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
TKB offeres Hansen and co that Jimmy Cowan style physicality from halfback i think they felt he would compliment A Smith better then Perenara off the bench. The problem is TKB has not reached the same heights since his injury. He could become that player they want in time, but he is not there at the moment. He is a lucky boy imo.
WEST
Roar Guru
Charles is the man. Every time he comes on he's hungry. He hunts the ball and seeks out action. You could see it from the small opportunity's he gets off the bench. He backs himself and wants to win. That attitude in our outside backs is what makes the All Blacks so dangerous. They have the energy to push themselves deep in there half. And the desire to do what they can to protect there own line. The makings of a true All Black legend. Look forward to see more from him.
richard
Guest
Agreed.I have absolutely no idea what Hansen and co see in TKB.Think you would have seen T.J.Perenara on tour,but for injury.
RebelRanger
Guest
And has more in his 1 on 1 arsenal than the 'look right and step left'.
js-nz
Guest
I wouldn't agree that Piutau is faster, Jane may have a slight edge there, either way, I'm happy to have both. Agree that TKB is far too slow, it seems he has to pick up the ball, take a step, look up to see who's there, then finally let off the pass. It should all be one smooth motion, Aaron Smith is far better, and would like to see Perenara given a run soon rather than TKB as reserve.
js-nz
Guest
Except a lot faster...
Rodknee
Guest
How did Craig Wing go?
SAVAGE
Guest
I'd give him a crack at center. That tackle on Folau in Dunedin shows he's got nous to read an attack, and stop it.
John
Guest
they should stick with trying to keep piutau on the wing instead of bringing back 30 year old cory jane. seriously hes younger, bigger, faster and got huge skills. And please for the love of god steve hansen get rid of tkb hes so damn slow!!!
Kane
Guest
kinda Folau-ish type of player
DR
Guest
Great work Charles! Keep it up!
Tissot Time
Guest
I love the way he accelerates into the contact.
james
Guest
good to give the new players a go but that's probably the only positive for this game. Scrappy display despite the scoreline for the ABs. We need to get rid of TKB. His pace is not good enough for the style of game the ABs employ...even Weepu despite his weight issues would be better defensively and cope better with the pace of his team mates