Kyle Preston ready to seize rare All Blacks opportunity against Sharks

New Zealand scrumhalf Kyle Preston will make his first start for the All Blacks against the Sharks in Durban on Tuesday, having played only 242 minutes of rugby throughout the year.

The 26-year-old has largely featured from the bench for the Crusaders during Super Rugby, meaning his total playing time amounts to little more than three full matches.

With Cam Roigard still recovering from the injury that forced him to withdraw from the All Blacks’ meeting with the Sharks at the Shark Tank, Preston has been given an important opportunity to make an impression.

The scrumhalf said he was enjoying his time in South Africa and wanted to make the most of every chance that came his way.

“ I’m living the dream. I’m over in South Africa playing for or part of a team that I’ve wanted to play for my whole life, so take every opportunity that comes. So, can’t complain.”

Preston’s selection comes as the All Blacks look to build on their 38-21 victory over the Stormers.

Although New Zealand secured the win, they were tested by a physical Stormers side from Cape Town and a defence that repeatedly challenged them with an aggressive, direct approach.

Improving the speed of the ball from the base of the ruck and from set pieces will be a key part of the All Blacks’ response, with Preston identifying distribution as one of his main responsibilities.

“I think obviously as a halfback our main focus is the distribution, so getting the ball in and away as quick as we can,” said Preston.

“With Rennie’s [Dave Rennie] game style, that’s a big part of it. So no matter what game it is, it’s important.”

The chance to start against the Sharks gives Preston the opportunity to influence the match from the outset rather than being called upon from the bench, as he has mostly been during his time with the Crusaders this year.

His limited game time makes Tuesday’s appearance particularly significant. After 242 minutes of rugby across the year, the match in Durban represents a chance for the 26-year-old to show what he can offer in the All Blacks’ system.

The first-choice opportunity has come while Roigard continues to nurse the injury that prevented him from taking part in the fixture. Preston will therefore take responsibility for helping New Zealand establish the tempo they want, especially in the speed of their distribution.

The All Blacks’ previous match in South Africa ended with a 38-21 win over the Stormers, but the performance also highlighted areas they want to improve. The Sharks will provide the next test as Preston begins at scrumhalf.

The match at the Shark Tank kicks off at 19:00 on Tuesday.