Blair given All Blacks boost

Ben Blair is a bright prospect for New Zealand

New Zealand A captain Tom Willis believes full-back Ben Blair has a big future with the All Blacks.

Canterbury star Blair scored 38 points on his debut in the 43-30 A team win over Ireland last week.

But Willis is adamant that the best is yet to come from the 22-year-old.

"Ben is a very exciting player. He's very skilful and a great goal kicker," said Willis.

With the new coaching staff and new players, it is an exciting era

New Zealand A captain Tom Willis

"He has a good eye for a scoring opportunity and is developing very well in the A team.

"He is certainly a player to keep an eye on and will be pushing players in the full squad."

New Zealand head coach John Mitchell has rewarded the players involved in the win in Belfast by naming the same team for the match in Perth against Scotland A.

Willis believes that the young team can benefit from the unchanged starting line-up for Tuesday's game.

"It develops consistency in the side and helps the combinations which were established in Belfast last week," Willis said.

"We are looking to improve and, if we had had a few changes, that may perhaps have hindered that.

"It is a very exciting time for me just being here. But, with the new coaching staff and new players, it is an exciting era.

"We have all been given this great opportunity to learn from John Mitchell and he is really leading the way for us."