All Blacks bolter Moorby draws Ben Smith comparisons ahead of Rennie's first squad

Josh Moorby is making a compelling case for a place in Dave Rennie’s first All Blacks squad after scoring his 13th try of the Super Rugby Pacific season in the Hurricanes’ 45-28 win over the Highlanders at Hnry Stadium.

The 27-year-old winger, born in Te Awamutu, has been one of the standout performers of the campaign and demonstrated his ability to cover fullback on multiple occasions — a versatility that has caught the eye of several former All Blacks.

Speaking on The Breakdown, ex-All Black winger Jeff Wilson drew a direct comparison between Moorby and 84-Test stalwart Ben Smith. “He’s done some special things this season, I like the versatility, can play both positions 15 and on the wing exceptionally well,” Wilson said. “Someone mentioned the fact there’s a little bit of Ben Smith about him, the fact that he has high work rate. You saw the physicality, run hard with the ball.”

Wilson also pointed to the injury to Highlanders winger Caleb Tangitau — who ruptured his Achilles two weeks ago against the Chiefs — as a factor that has shifted the selection landscape. “I think the whole landscape has changed with the loss of Caleb Tangitau,” he said. “Does that mean the flexibility that Josh Moorby gives you, because he can play wing and fullback, becomes more valuable? Because ideally you’d like the opportunity to have a six-two bench, and that means you’d like to have a wing who can play fullback.”

Former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina, who himself played both positions at Test level, acknowledged Moorby’s qualities but flagged where the competition could hurt him. “He’s certainly putting his hand up,” Muliaina said. “He manipulates that defensive line because he’s roaming around. He will have a bit of competition, but he does bring a little bit of versatility. I think there’s definitely competition in terms of an out-and-out wing, and that’s probably where he could possibly miss out.”

The selection picture is further complicated by the potential inclusion of Fehi Fineanganofo, should Rennie opt to pick him. Rennie’s 34-man squad is due to be announced in late June, with the playoffs providing remaining candidates a final window to press their claims.