All Black Sevu Reece reveals who the fastest All Black is, and what he'll unveil against the Pumas.
Video / AllBlacks.com
Sevu Reece is trying to be different.
As an outside back, Reece has become known for his speed and finishing ability. But in an ever-deepening pool of talent, the 24-year-old knows he'll soon sink if he stays still.
Instead, the All Blacks winger is experimenting with his game – witha particular focus on adding to his defensive arsenal.
"With how competitive the outside [backs] are, I thought that maybe my defensive side could be the point of difference," he explains.
"I've put a lot of work into it; just trying to get in there, make some good tackles, some big hits and try get over the ball if I can."
Being in camp with the All Blacks has meant he has been able to pick the brains of the likes of Ardie Savea and Akira Ioane for tips on how to best approach the contact areas, noting that the pair are among the best around when it comes to contesting the breakdown.
Reece says his defensive focus has become a major part of his game, particularly as teams look to attack out wide when they have space to move to exploit the perceived weaker defenders.
"It's all part of our work-ons; getting over the ball – whether that's trying to jackle or just staying strong over the ball," Reece says.
"As outsides, we're well known as just finishers who just take the ball and put it down, but that's what we're trying to break here. We can get over the ball, we can be really good defenders, we can tackle hard and all those things.
"I want to be the difference as an outside; I want to be known for not just my attacking side of things but on the defensive side as well."
Sevu Reece makes a tackle during an All Blacks test against Fiji. Photo / Photosport
He showed plenty of progress on that front during this year's Super Rugby campaigns, averaging five made tackles to one miss during the Super Rugby Aotearoa and transtasman competitions, while also snagging a turnover per game. He then showed a glimpse of this aspect of his game in his most recent appearance – making the third-most tackles (nine) for the All Blacks in their 57-22 win over the Wallabies at Eden Park last month.
Reece was hopeful of having more opportunities to show his full skillset in his return to the side this weekend, with coach Ian Foster naming him on the right wing for Sunday's Rugby Championship test against Argentina.
Reece makes up a new-look backline, with last weekend's wings Will Jordan and Rieko Ioane replaced by Reece and George Bridge, while Jordie Barrett remains at fullback given he only played 28 minutes before being sent off in the 38-21 win over the Wallabies in Perth.
