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Ex-All Black's warning over the 'alarm bells' going off in New Zealand Rugby
By Ben Smith
Departed All Black Brad Weber has opened up and shared his view of the state of New Zealand Rugby after taking up a deal in France.
A stalwart of New Zealand Rugby for over a decade representing Otago, Waikato and Hawkes Bay at provincial level, the Chiefs in Super Rugby and the All Blacks, Weber announced his decision to sign with Stade Francias in the Top 14 in May this year, leaving New Zealand shores for the first time during his career.
Speaking to Newshub from Paris at his new club's "impressive" facilities, the veteran halfback couldn't believe how well the players were treated in France.
"It's impressive," he said from Stade's facilities, "Everything you could ask for, you get.
"You get your stuff washed for you, there's breakfast and lunch every day.
"These guys don't know how good they've got it. It's unreal."
The 18-Test All Black is now able to look at the game with an experienced eye having been involved in New Zealand Rugby over a decade of unprecedented success and now unprecedented challenges.
As a member of the famous New Zealand U20 side from 2011, Weber has seen the popularity of the game change of his career.
The veteran halfback believed that Super Rugby had no option but to make changes and said that 'alarm bell's were ringing in New Zealand.
"I'm not paid well enough to figure out ways to make it better and I guess I'd like to move into something like that maybe one day," he said.
"Super Rugby's certainly going to have to improve and make some sort of changes.
"At the grassroots level, people are dropping out, so around club level, there's not as much participation and hearing from some mates in club rugby, that's certainly the case. I guess we've got to find a way to keep guys in rugby.
"It's obviously not great. Our [under] 20s team hasn't performed well the last few years, so that's maybe alarm bells a little bit as well.
"I mean, we certainly need to address something, because it's obviously declined and we don't want it to decline any more."
Weber was in Ian Foster's All Black squad in 2021 but found himself axed ahead of the Ireland series in 2022, instead representing the Maori All Blacks along with TJ Perenara.
The No 9 managed a recall for one Test in 2022 against Wales but was left out of Rugby World Cup squad for 2023 with upstart Cam Roigard and Blues halfback Finlay Christie preferred.
The halfback doesn't hold any grudges and despite the challenges the game is facing still believed that the people in charge can make the required changes.
"I'd never bet against the All Blacks and NZ Rugby. We certainly always try to find a way," he said.
"We might be in a tough spot at the moment, but I just still back the people that we've got. I still think we've got the right people that can turn it around."
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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