Cam Roigard reflects on brilliant All Blacks return

Roigard said it was awesome to be back playing Test rugby, and the game involved moments he dreamed of, especially after being out of action for so long.

"Credit to Aussie, we knew they were battle-hardened with Joe Schmidt," he told allbacks.com. 

"He's had a massive influence on their team, and they're a team that doesn't fold under pressure.

"We started well, got a good lead, and they were able to grind their way back before half-time. And credit to us; in the past few weeks, in the second half, we let moments slip.

"So it was good to take control of it. We managed to get a few penalties to keep the scoreboard ticking over and sealed it towards the end."

Roigard said that in scoring his second try, which sealed the win, he benefited from Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea's work.

"I'm glad that he [Tupaea] looked over both shoulders and looked inside," he continued.

"It was cool to look up and see all the home fans cheering. I've only played a handful of Tests at home, so it was pretty special. I was pumped up.

"It's something you dream of, from a selfish perspective, scoring what could have been a winning moment like that." 

Roigard expected to get grief from teammates for throwing the ball away and costing Damian McKenzie some time in preparing his conversion attempt. The No.9 believed he'd been able to step back into playing so quickly because the All Blacks' training replicates games. Mistakes made during training were a challenge for him to get into the best mindset and position to perform well.

"I love playing in this team,"

"We've got such great athletes, some of the best in the world. I thrive with players around me who are exceptional."

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