Andrew Mehrtens, a legendary figure in New Zealand rugby, has praised the emerging All Blacks fly-half Ruben Love, likening his skills to those of the great Carlos Spencer. Mehrtens expressed that Love embodies a "phenomenal talent" and sees a reflection of Spencer's flair in Love's performances.
Ruben Love, at just 25 years old, has already made significant strides in his career, steering the Hurricanes to a Super Rugby Pacific championship and playing a pivotal role in all three Nations Championship games against France, Italy, and Ireland. He continues to be a crucial player, now preparing to lead his team against the Springboks at the iconic Ellis Park.
"He’s physically really good. Comparisons have been made with Carlos Spencer and he’s got phenomenal talent. Probably nobody’s got the out-and-out sheer brilliance and audacity that Carlos had, but Ruben Love in the modern context is pretty close to that."
Mehrtens emphasized the consistency of Love's game, which has been a cornerstone of his success. "You don’t win a Super Rugby title without a good 10 to guide the team around," he remarked on the Boks Unpacked podcast, pointing out Love's confidence, composure, and effective kicking game.
The synergy within the All Blacks' backline has also impressed observers. The combination of Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, and Jordie Barrett, who play together for the Hurricanes, has been particularly potent. Springboks legend Jean de Villiers highlighted their teamwork, emphasizing Roigard's standout performance as a scrum-half over the past year.
"That axis of Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, and Jordie Barrett, there’s familiarity there. It’s definitely one of the strengths of the All Blacks. Roigard at nine is a proper rugby player," De Villiers noted.
In terms of squad depth, Mehrtens recognized Jordie Barrett’s secure spot in the team, yet acknowledged ongoing competition in the midfield. Players like Anton Lienert-Brown, gaining more trust from coach Dave Rennie, and Quinn Tupaea are continually impressing. The unfortunate absence of Billy Proctor due to being back home slightly eases the selection dilemma for the All Blacks.
Interestingly, when examining the half-back positions, Mehrtens praised the intelligence of Kyle Preston, who steps in this weekend due to Cortez Ratima's injury. Preston, likened to Tawera Kerr-Barlow for his smart on-field decisions, is expected to bring his tactical acumen to the fore without necessarily being the flashiest player.
As the All Blacks prepare for their upcoming test against the Springboks, all eyes will be on this young but remarkably talented group to see if they can continue their winning momentum and perhaps redefine the rugby history books in the process.
