Fiji-born winger Sevu Reece is relishing his experience with the current All Blacks squad, benefiting from the guidance of head coach Scott Robertson and several newly appointed coaches. Robertson succeeded Ian Foster after last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, with most of the coaching staff being new to their roles, except for forwards coach Jason Ryan, who previously worked with Foster.
The coaching team now includes Ryan, along with Jason Holland (backs), Leon MacDonald (attack), Scott Hansen (defence), and Tamati Ellison, a former assistant coach with the Crusaders, who oversees contact skills. Additionally, veteran coach Wayne Smith is contributing to the team as a performance coach.
Reece did not participate in the 2023 Test season due to an ACL injury but returned to play impressively for the Crusaders in the Super Rugby Pacific league. Despite the team’s struggles, he ended the season as a co-top scorer in the tournament.
As the 2024 international season approaches, Reece, who has played 26 Tests for the All Blacks, expressed his enthusiasm about the new coaching setup. He commented, “I’ve been fortunate to work with all of these coaches, and it’s very exciting times for New Zealand rugby. They are exceptional coaches and outstanding individuals off the field. The talent in this squad raises many questions about individual roles, and I believe they have a solid game plan, which is thrilling.”
In the current All Blacks squad, Reece finds himself in a competitive group of wingers, including Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, and Emoni Narawa, and he noted the challenging atmosphere among the swift players. He remarked, “There are plenty of wingers here. I think this will be a great camp with healthy competition,” adding humorously that he contemplated other positions he might play, like half-back.