Ruben Love on All Blacks Call Up: 'I Don’t Feel Any Pressure'
Ruben Love on All Blacks Call Up: 'I Don’t Feel Any Pressure'
Ruben Love, the rising star of New Zealand rugby, has been called up to the All Blacks squad for the upcoming test match against France, a development that has been met with a surprising amount of calm from the 24-year-old player. Despite the high stakes and the pressure that comes with being selected for one of the world's most prestigious teams, Love has made it clear that he is not fazed by the moment.
Selected to start at fullback, Love finds himself in a unique position. With Beauden Barrett sidelined due to injury, he is now the only backup at first five, despite having only made one test appearance in his career thus far. However, Love is not letting the weight of expectation hold him back.
"I'm 24 and I don't feel any pressure," Love stated during the team naming press conference. "When you're training and competing against Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, you gain a lot of confidence just being around them, talking to them off the field and training with them on it. So there's no reason for me not to feel confident."
Love's journey to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. He made his solitary test appearance last year, coming on as a substitute and scoring two tries in the final 10 minutes of a comfortable victory over Japan. However, he had been in the All Blacks environment all year, initially brought in as injury cover in the first squad of the season.
"I've been in this environment all of last year, learned of the great coaches and the great players. And this week, I've got experienced wingers, I've got Anton (Lienert-Brown) inside me. So yeah, I'm going to go out there, play my game and make my opportunities come," Love said.
His performance for the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Pacific season has also been a significant factor in his selection. Love's transition from fullback to first five played a crucial role in the Hurricanes' dramatic turnaround, securing eight consecutive wins and showing that the franchise, long plagued by inconsistency, has a bright future ahead.
"Understanding all the plays, how we want to play the game," Love explained, describing his mastery of both positions. "And where both first five and fullback fit in. So the way I can gather all the confidence that I need is just preparing in both roles. So in training, getting 10 and 15 and just making sure that, if the moment comes that I'm just ready to do both all the same."
Love's ability to adapt and perform in multiple roles is expected to be an asset for the All Blacks. With Barrett's kicking strategy designed to create contestable ball, Love will have opportunities to read the play and make an impact, particularly on counterattacks.
"I feel like I'm good at giving players confidence as well," Love added. "I'm vocal on the field. I've got a never-say-no attitude, so I just want to be a great teammate, be reliable."
As the All Blacks prepare for their crucial match against France, Ruben Love's calm demeanor and unwavering confidence could prove to be an unexpected but vital ingredient in the team's success. With his blend of skill, adaptability, and mental toughness, Love is ready to take on the challenge and make his mark on the international stage.
Whether he starts at fullback or moves to first five, Love's presence in the squad is a testament to his talent and the trust the coaching staff has placed in him. As he steps onto the field, the world will be watching to see if the young star can live up to the immense expectations placed upon him.
