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TJ Perenara's departing verdict on future of All Blacks No. 9 jersey
By Ned Lester
TJ Perenara's time in a black jersey has come to an end but his fingerprints remain after an Autumn Nations Series characterised primarily by mentorship was capped with an appearance off the bench in New Zealand's 29-11 win over Italy in Turin.
Having taken a backseat after being tasked with aiding the development of young stars Cam Roigard and Cortez Ratima, the 32-year-old suited up for one last hoorah against the rising Azzurri and entered the contest with the game on the line in the 57th minute.
New Zealand outscored Italy 12-7 with Perenara on the park, securing a tight win to wrap up a pivotal year under new head coach Scott Robertson.
Atop the new regime's to-do list was building depth in the place of retired icons like Aaron Smith, who has owned the black No. 9 jersey for much of the past decade.
Having Perenara in the selection mix was a huge advantage in that journey, with just shy of 90 Tests of experience helping plug the 124-cap hole that Smith left in his wake.
But despite the lack of experience among the remaining cohort, Perenara departs knowing the jersey is in good hands.
"It's been a cool tour. I spoke to Razor before the tour on what my role would potentially look like throughout the tour and we had a really open discussion about how we could best set this team up going forward into the future. A big part of my role was my ability to help our nines," Perenara told the Sky Sports panel following the win.
"I'm really proud I got given that privilege because you don't always get that opportunity, sometimes your career just ends by someone's decision and I'm really thankful to Razor, SH (Scott Hansen) and the team for allowing me to come and be a part of this tour, to help Cam, to help Cortez and hopefully play a part in their career.
"I look forward to their careers in this jersey. It's going to be an amazing one, you know how amazing those two nines are and that jersey's pretty safe for the next few years I think."
Roigard split the Italian defence in the 23rd minute to score the opening try of the game and completed the third most tackles out of any All Black on the night with eight.
While the future was Perenara's main concern, his past has delivered some spectacular moments in the jersey, leading his side on the field and in the haka. He reflected on his decade in black with Sir John Kirwin.
"I'm really proud of my career and what I've been able to achieve in the jersey, it's been a special journey, you've taken this journey as well and you know how amazing it is to be able to have some of the experiences that we have.
"Something that I'm really content with is the work that I've been able to put into it, how much I dedicated myself to this game and to this team.
"The number one team for me is my family at the moment, my wife and my kids. Leaving New Zealand Rugby and playing in Japan allows me more time to be the best that I can be for my team and for my family, so I'm content with that and I'm really looking forward to spending more time with my family playing some exciting rugby in Japan."
He signed off with a final message to his supporters, family and critics alike.
"Just a thank you. I'm really grateful for everyone who has supported me over the years, even the people who have criticised me over the years. The people here, and the people who watch and love our game make the game what it is, they allow me to play this game for a living and yes, sometimes people say things that I might not agree with, but they just love the game of rugby too.
"So, thank you, everyone, for your support, for your support for me, for your support for the game of rugby, and I hope you continue to do it for the future people coming in."
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