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All Blacks' wing wizards finding their feet in Test rugby: 'It's been awesome'

September 23, 2019

Sevu Reece and George Bridge have turned heads since being thrust into the All Blacks' side

The All Blacks new wide duo of Sevu Reece and George Bridge have been given the tick of approval, having cemented themselves as Steve Hansen's first-choice options on the flanks this Rugby World Cup.

Having both been involved in the Crusaders' third straight Super Rugby title earlier this year, Bridge and Reece were rushed into the All Blacks ahead of the Rugby Championship. Reece made his Test debut against Argentina in Buenos Aires, while Bridge came off the bench in that same match, adding to his one-Test cap from last year.

However, it wasn't until the 47-26 defeat to the Wallabies in Perth that the pair got their chance, with Reece and Bridge starting on either wing for the return fixture at Eden Park a week later in place of Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith.

The results were immediate, with both wingers shining in their home debuts, scoring a try each and contributing well with their defensive duties.

Neither Bridge or Reece have come close to losing their spots as of yet, both playing the full match in the All Blacks' 23-13 win over South Africa to begin their World Cup campaign in Yokohama.

Speaking to media this afternoon, centre Anton Lienert-Brown hailed the impact that the duo have added to the All Blacks' style of play so far this year.

"It's been awesome," Lienert-Brown said.

"The thing I love is [that] they're two fresh faced wingers, but they're just playing rugby and that's all [we] require of them really: Get the ball, and do something, that's what they're doing at the moment.

"That's really exciting for us, and for them creating opportunities, it's been awesome for the team."

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