In the world of rugby, the search for the perfect player is an ongoing quest, and the All Blacks coaching staff are no exception. With a vacant spot in their squad, the focus has turned to versatile players who can step up and make an impact. One such player is Josh Moorby, a Hurricanes winger with a unique set of skills. But what makes Moorby stand out, and could he be the dark horse in the race for the All Blacks jersey?
Moorby's recent performance against the Highlanders has been nothing short of impressive. Scoring his 13th try of the Super Rugby Pacific campaign, he showcased his ability to slot into fullback if needed, a skill that is becoming increasingly valuable in modern rugby. With the loss of Caleb Tangitau, a ruptured Achilles that has opened up a spot in the All Blacks squad, Moorby's versatility becomes even more appealing. He can play wing and fullback, a rare combination that could be a game-changer for the team.
Former All Black winger Jeff Wilson is a strong believer in Moorby's potential, comparing him to the legendary Ben Smith. Wilson highlights Moorby's high work rate and physicality, noting that he runs hard with the ball and has a powerful presence on the field. In my opinion, Wilson's comparison is spot on, and it's fascinating to see how Moorby's style of play can be seen as a modern-day Ben Smith. But what makes this particularly interesting is the fact that Moorby's versatility could be a game-changer for the All Blacks. With the team looking for an out-and-out wing, Moorby's ability to play both positions could be a huge advantage.
However, it's not just Moorby's versatility that makes him stand out. His speed and ability to find the try line in tough situations are also impressive. Former All Black Christian Cullen, a 58-Test veteran, endorses Moorby's chances, praising his eye for the try line and massive work rate. Cullen's endorsement adds weight to Moorby's case, suggesting that he has the potential to become an All Black in 2026.
But the question remains: can Moorby make the cut? With competition from the likes of Chay Fihaki, Leroy Carter, Emoni Narawa, Sevu Reece, and Jacob Ratamatavuki Kneepkens, the battle for an outside-back spot is fierce. While Moorby's versatility is an asset, it may also be his downfall. As Mils Muliaina points out, if it comes down to a pure wing shootout, Moorby may miss out. The competition is strong, and the All Blacks coaching staff have some tough decisions to make.
In my opinion, Moorby's chances of making the All Blacks squad are certainly worth considering. His versatility, speed, and ability to find the try line are all impressive qualities that could make him a valuable asset to the team. However, the competition is fierce, and the All Blacks coaching staff will need to carefully evaluate his chances against the other players in the running. One thing is for sure: Moorby has certainly put his hand up, and his performance against the Highlanders has not gone unnoticed.
As the All Blacks coaching staff prepare to announce their 34-man squad in late June, the question remains: will Josh Moorby be among the selected players? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Moorby has certainly earned his place in the conversation, and his performance against the Highlanders has only served to enhance his chances. From my perspective, the All Blacks coaching staff would be wise to take notice of Moorby's impressive form and consider his potential as a dark horse in the race for the All Blacks jersey.
