Scott Robertson has praised All Blacks rookie Peter Lakai after he came off the bench against France after one minute in their 30-29 loss in Paris.

Starting blindside flank Samipeni Finau, unfortunately, could not make the most of his Test return as he was forced off the field with a concussion at the start of the game. Young Lakai strode onto the field in the second minute and produced a blockbuster performance.

Strong shift

Lakai scored a try while carrying super well with a total of 13 on the day and 12 tackles on the defensive side of things. It truly was the kind of shift that confirms he will be in the All Blacks set-up for years to come.

Robertson labelled Lakai as the future as he praised the back-row’s effort despite the loss to France in a tight clash.

“I’m really pleased for him. He’s the future as well. There were some great performances out there from a lot of guys,” Robertson told Sky News.

Lakai himself admits he didn’t expect to be on the field so early but backed his preparation.

“I was excited, embraced it, I knew I was ready with my detail. As a bench player, you don’t prepare yourself to go on that early but I’m just glad I could go on and the boys helped me,” he said.

Savea influence

The back-row was delighted to share the field with Ardie Savea who has helped him ever since Lakai burst onto the scene last year.

“It’s always unreal to take the field with Ardie. My first year in the Canes last year, he was there, so when I came on Ardie just made me feel comfortable out there with his leadership and his voice. The whole forward pack and everyone in the team just back each other and give each other confidence to go out there and do a job.”

The All Blacks round out their tour of the north with a Test against Italy and Robertson will be eager to leave on a positive note.