The clash between potential All Black No.8s, Hoskins Sotutu and Brayden Iose, is set to unfold as the Blues face the Hurricanes in Auckland.
While Sotutu boasts previous All Black experience since his debut in 2020, Iose emerges as a dark horse contender, showcasing a performance reminiscent of Sotutu’s breakthrough Super Rugby season.
Sotutu, though absent from recent All Black Test matches, demonstrates compelling form in 2024, leading the competition in tries and assists. His formidable carrying game, averaging an impressive 7.85 meters per carry, aligns with the Blues’ forward-centric strategy.
Meanwhile, Iose matches Sotutu’s carrying prowess with an average of 7.21 meters per carry but stands out for his exceptional ability to breach opposition defenses, having bulldozed through 33 defenders, the highest among forwards in the league.
The Hurricanes strategically leverage Iose’s strength in ball carrying, utilizing him for kick-off restarts and goal-line dropouts to establish field position swiftly. His explosive speed and power make him a potent threat near the try line, often creating opportunities for teammates like TJ Perenara and Ruben Love to capitalize on.
Despite excelling as a ball carrier, Iose’s contributions beyond this facet of play remain less pronounced, lacking dominance in areas like breakdown work and defensive positioning.
In contrast, Sotutu offers a more diversified skill set, contributing significantly to the Blues’ lineout and ranking high in offloads and turnovers. His versatility adds depth to the team’s tactics, providing options both in set-piece scenarios and open play.
Hurricanes No.8 Brayden Iose. He's 6'2, 110kg, runs 100m in 11 seconds and will be running down Marcus Smith's channel in July. A ball-carrying powerhouse with speed, skill, and power.pic.twitter.com/kmzCbb0p0b
— Ben Smith (@bensmithrugby) May 7, 2024
While the return of Ardie Savea to the All Blacks squad is anticipated, uncertainties persist regarding his position, potentially opening opportunities for both Sotutu and Iose to feature in upcoming Tests.
Sotutu appears favored for a starting role, yet Iose’s impact off the bench could prove valuable, particularly in late-game scenarios where his ability to generate momentum becomes crucial.
As gain line dominance often dictates match outcomes, Iose’s capacity to drive his team forward positions him as a compelling contender for All Black selection, challenging conventional expectations and emphasizing the importance of his unique skill set.
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