Rugby: How Blues' Super Rugby Pacific triumph helped promote some All Blacks selection hopefuls

While the Blues' Super Rugby Pacific triumph is unlikely to cost anyone their spot in the year's first All Blacks squad, at least a couple of titlewinning heroes may find their stocks improved by their performances.

New coach Scott Robertson is due to announce his first selections on Monday, with a raft of veterans moving on, since last year's Rugby World Cup final.

According to Newshub's Ollie Ritchie, one of those to benefit from his Blues form is halfback Finlay Christie, who missed much of the season with injury and has gradually picked momentum since his return.

"He was excellent for the Blues last night, both defensively and on attack," said Ritchie. "Really strong work over the ball, a crucial turnover to prevent the Chiefs on their line and that ball he gave to Caleb Clarke - that cutout ball - was just perfect.

"He will have probably moved as the clear frontrunner for the No.9 jersey for Scott Robertson this year."

Another bolter may have earned a spot as injury cover in a crucial position.

"With the injury to Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, I think Ricky Riccitelli could find himself in that picture for a call-up as the third All Blacks hooker," said Ritchie. 

"Super consistent for the Blues this year and got through 70 minutes of work... he could barely walk when he came off."

Watch the video for full interview

While the Blues' Super Rugby Pacific triumph is unlikely to cost anyone their spot in the year's first All Blacks squad, at least a couple of titlewinning heroes may find their stocks improved by their performances.

New coach Scott Robertson is due to announce his first selections on Monday, with a raft of veterans moving on, since last year's Rugby World Cup final.

According to Newshub's Ollie Ritchie, one of those to benefit from his Blues form is halfback Finlay Christie, who missed much of the season with injury and has gradually picked momentum since his return.

"He was excellent for the Blues last night, both defensively and on attack," said Ritchie. "Really strong work over the ball, a crucial turnover to prevent the Chiefs on their line and that ball he gave to Caleb Clarke - that cutout ball - was just perfect.

"He will have probably moved as the clear frontrunner for the No.9 jersey for Scott Robertson this year."

Another bolter may have earned a spot as injury cover in a crucial position.

"With the injury to Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, I think Ricky Riccitelli could find himself in that picture for a call-up as the third All Blacks hooker," said Ritchie. 

"Super consistent for the Blues this year and got through 70 minutes of work... he could barely walk when he came off."

Watch the video for full interview

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