All Blacks v England: Cortez Ratima backed to shine at halfback as first debutant of Scott Robertson era

Scott Robertson has sung the praises of young halfback Cortez Ratima, as the rookie prepares to become the first debutant of the All Blacks’ new era.

Ratima, 23, is the first uncapped player to be named in a Robertson squad, and could become All Black No 1214 when he comes off the bench against England at Eden Park.

While Robertson might have planned on handing out new caps in next week’s test against Fiji in San Diego, TJ Perenara’s injury has forced his hand.

Ratima has only gone from strength to strength this season, and beat out competition from teammate Xavier Roe to become the Chiefs’ starting halfback in Super Rugby Pacific.

Of 16 games played so far in 2024, Ratima started 12 of them, and won complete ownership of the Chiefs’ No 9 jersey on their run to the Super Rugby final defeat to the Blues.

That form led to a first All Blacks call-up, and the chance to challenge to fill the shoes of Aaron Smith in the post-World Cup exodus.

And with a potential debut closer than ever for Ratima, Robertson has faith in the rookie at the highest level.

“Trust yourself, be yourself, he’s a good kid,” said Robertson.

“He’s extremely competitive.

“He likes to win everything. Once he’d been named he got on with it. He’s got a good couple of mentors in front of him to learn off and now is his opportunity.”

In the absence of Perenara and Cam Roigard, Finlay Christie will run out onto Eden Park for the second and final test against England, as Ratima provides cover from the bench.

The pair have played against each other twice in Super Rugby, with Christie emerging as the winner on both occasions as the Blues ended a 21-year title drought.

But now that they’re teammates, Christie so far likes what he sees of the – for now – uncapped halfback.

“We’ve worked really closely [and] got on really well as soon as he came in,” said Christie.

“I didn’t really know him well before this All Blacks team assembled.

“But he’s a really good nine. He’s had a great season. He’s got a great work ethic and he’s just looking to learn as much as he can.

“He’s a great player, and he’ll do great out there on Saturday.”

Despite the majority of his 22 test caps coming off the bench, this week has seen Christie become the senior halfback in the All Blacks camp.

All Blacks halfbacks Noah Hotham and Finlay Christie at All Blacks training on Wednesday. Photo / Photosport

Noah Hotham, 21, has been called in as injury cover for Perenara, and has been training with the team in Auckland.

And with competition for places high, even before Roigard returns from injury, Christie is grateful for the chance to be a leader in his position.

“He’s been great as well,” Christie said of Hotham. “He’s a good Tassie lad.

“We all sort of bounce off each other. We’re all just here to get better.

“I’m learning as much off them as they might be [off] me. We’re all getting on really well.

“It’s great still having TJ around with all of his experience. It’s been really good.”

Alex Powell is an Online Sports Editor for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016, and previously worked for both Newshub and 1News.