@booboo said in All Blacks 2024 - looking forward:
. Still wating for Lakai to impress. Goes ok at this level admittedly... but otherwise unimpressive.
Interesting observation, Lakai isn't really renowned as a 7 and has done an adequate job of stepping into that role for the Canes. He was very impressive playing number 8 in the first two rounds which is his proper position and the position that he'll play most of his rugby in the future.
For a 21 year old to be the top ball carrier and the third best tackler in the competition to me is pretty impressive, especially considering he's still only finding his feet at this level. He's dominated both Under 20 rugby (age grade player of the year in 2022) and NPC rugby thus far in his career, but it will take him a couple years (like it does for most players) to begin to make a mark at Super.
It's too early to put Lakai in the frame for the All Blacks but he'll be there or there abouts by the next World Cup, especially if he forms a combination with Ardie (7) and Roigard (9) at the Canes from next year.
You only have to look at someone like Segner, he's only now starting to dominate at this level after taking a few years to find his feet. Lakai has made a good start and is far from the finished product. He's only going to get better especially considering who he's learning from at the Canes.