Why Hurricanes halfback is being compared to Antoine Dupont

Six-time Super Rugby champion Bryn Hall has compared Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard to one of the world’s best rugby players following the rising stars sensational start to the season.

Roigard has taken this year’s Super Rugby Pacific season by storm, and has emerged as a genuine All Blacks bolter ahead of the Rugby World Cup in France.

In some ways, the Hurricanes No. 9 has revolutionised the halfback position in New Zealand – bringing a new approach to the game compared to some other players in the nation.

The scrumhalf has an elusive running game which has seen him star in a number of matches this season, including last weekend’s 29-14 win over the Highlanders in Dunedin.

Roigard was one of the best players on the night, having finished with a try assist and another five-pointer of his own.

Playing against another World Cup hopeful in Folau Fakatava, Roigard made his mark in a highly anticipated New Zealand derby. The 22-year-old intercepted a Fakatava pass before running about 70 metres to the house for a score.

Roigard can do things that other halfbacks in New Zealand can’t, and has been compared to one of the current greats as a result.

Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, former Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall compared the Hurricanes’ No. 9 to France captain Antoine Dupont.

“I had a look at Roigard on the weekend and he had 10 carries… he had 75 carry metres and one of that was his intercept try,” Hall said.

“You don’t see those kind of numbers in halfbacks in New Zealand, carrying that many times, and he’s consistently done that in this competition.

“The only other player that you’d talk in World Rugby is (Antoine) Dupont, he has those kind of numbers around carry metres and being able to run the ball like that.

“That’s what Cam Roigard… he has that running game which Fakatava was chosen for last year to bring something different.

“But he still has the great skillset of being able to get the ball out, he’s got a great pass and he’s got a great kicking game with the left foot option as well.”

The Hurricanes were dealt a cruel injury late last year when legendary halfback TJ Perenara ruptured his Achilles during the All Blacks’ end-of-season tour.

Disaster – and the season was still months away.

In his place, Roigard has more than held his own in the No. 9 jersey. The Counties Manukau halfback has made a seamless transition up to Super Rugby, and could be set for higher honours.

Former Blues captain James Parsons believes Roigard should be one of three halfbacks in the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad later this year.

“Aaron Smith, Brad Weber and Finlay Christie are quite similar players, and I do like the ability to have a nine that’s a little bit different,” Parsons said.

“Cam Roigard, (Folau) Fakatava and (TJ) Perenara are probably fighting for that one spot because I think those All Black coaches will want that point of difference.

“Obviously Aaron Smith is going to be there, and then it’s been Finlay Christie and Brad Weber for that second spot.

“Then they’ve got to go for something a little bit different and I think Roigard is probably leading the pack at the moment in terms of that third spot.”

But Hall had a different point of view.

The champion Crusader thinks Finlay Christie should go to France along with veteran players Aaron Smith and Brad Weber.

As for Roigard, Hall suggested that the rising star should be included in Ian Foster’s plans in some capacity – even as an apprentice.

“We talked a lot around guys that have had opportunities and played really well in Super Rugby seasons in World Cup years,” Hall added.

“Sevu Reece… Nehe Milner-Skudder having that one year as well.

“They know what they can probably get with Brad and TJ, and very similar to last year, they didn’t pick them and they took Fakatava to have a look at him knowing that you can pick TJ and Brad at the back end of the season.

“Get Roigard in there for The Rugby Championship, it’s three games… give him a go, if it doesn’t work out, at least you’ve given him a chance and you’ll be able to go back to the tried and true of the experienced players.

“There is not a lot of time and it will be interesting to see if the All Blacks do give him that opportunity if Roigard continues to keep playing at this level.”

Roigard and the Hurricanes are set to host the undefeated Chiefs in a top-of-the-table clash at Sky Stadium this weekend.