'Two vacant spots there': Forgotten All Black lock eyeing up international return
Returning Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu didn't feature at all for the All Blacks in 2023 as a broken arm saw him miss the Rugby World Cup.
The injury in the late-season derby with the Highlanders came at the worst possible time just a month out from the start of the Rugby Championship.
After taking a sabbatical in 2022 to play in Japan with Toyota Verblitz, Tuipulotu is somewhat of a forgotten figure from the national fold after just two Tests in two years.
He last featured in an experimental side against Japan in Tokyo in 2022, with the second Test of the Irish series in Dunedin the only other appearance in the black jersey that year.
"During that Super Rugby season I was just starting to find some form and then to have that broken arm at a crucial time pretty much hindered my year," he told 1News Sport about his injury.
"Came back a bit early and tried to play a few games for Auckland to put my hand up for the World Cup but it just wasn’t to be and I wasn’t ready.
"There’s been a silver lining in that I’ve had a good break and ready to hit this preseason running."
The Blues lock has taken back the captaincy role this year as he begins the journey back to the All Black selection. Its a familiar role he previously held in 2019 up until his sabbatical.
With legendary pair Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick heading overseas for a final swansong before retirement, the second row starting jobs appear to be up for grabs.
That hasn't gone unnoticed for Tuipulotu who is ready to put his hand up for one of the jobs.
With 43 Tests under his belt the 30-year-old is a strong candidate to form a new parternship with Scott Barrett.
"I’ve had a good break now and I’m ready to go," Tuipulotu said.
"You look at the calibre of guys who’ve left, there’s two pretty senior locks who’ve gone and two vacant spots there so I definitely want to put my hand up for one of those."
The 6 ft 6 second rower would add some valuable size to the All Blacks pack to match the power offered by the likes of France and South Africa's forwards who are on the schedule in 2024.
The All Blacks depth at lock was tested last year whenever the experienced veterans were missing.
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Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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