Rugby World Cup: Mark Telea cherishing every opportunity in star-studded All Blacks backline

What a distinction a 12 months makes.

After spectacular back-to-back wins to open their Rugby Championship account, All Blacks coach Ian Foster is abruptly spoiled for selection within the outdoors backs.

New Zealand have scored 11 tries in victories over Argentina and South Africa, with two units of various wingers feasting on the determined defence.

From Mendoza to Mt Good, Caleb Clarke and Emoni Narawa had been changed by Mark Telea and Will Jordan, however the consequence was a lot the identical.

With the World Cup lower than two months away, locations are nonetheless very a lot up for grabs, with no competitors hotter than the wing spots.

In-form Crusaders star Leicester Fainga’anuku is because of return from a calf damage, so Saturday’s first Bledisloe Cup check towards Australia will act as one of many final alternatives for his rivals to stake their declare.

Common proper wing Mark Telea hopes his versatility to cowl the left will see him make the journey to France and be a part of an surroundings he is nonetheless adapting to, since making his debut in 2022.

“I am not that comfy, however you simply take it because it comes,” he mentioned. “Whenever you get a chance to play in a group like this, you simply go along with it.

“You simply roll with the punches, do not look again, cherish each second, and try to get higher daily as a group and as a participant.

“As Anton [Lienert-Brown] mentioned, I am attempting to learn to play No.10, so be careful boys,” he joked.”