You know what they say about twins. Double the trouble and twice the fun.
All Blacks great and two-time Rugby World Cup winner Jerome Kaino has seen it first-hand in France’s Top 14.
After 62 games for Toulouse, including winning the last two French titles, Kaino is now the team’s breakdown coach.
His side boasts not one but two Arnolds – Rory and his twin Richie.
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“The twins, if you saw our games last year, along with Will Skelton they were probably the top three locks in Europe last year,” Kaino says.
“Rory and Richie are ultimate professionals, they’re always doing extras and they lead our recovery. I’ve always thought if the opportunity arose they should be at international level.”
Wait. What? Both? We know Rory’s a star, but Richie? Really?
“Mate, without a doubt. I think Rory’s a lot more vocal because he has more of a leadership role in our team but when you put them together you just see how they complement each other in that second row.
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“They both have similar physical attributes in how they play. Their skills are phenomenal. Rory’s world class but I don’t think Richie’s that far behind. They’re good players and great lads.”
Rory Arnold is one of at least three France based players joining Dave Rennie’s squad for the Spring tour along with Will Skelton and Tolu Latu.
Now, in an exclusive interview with Nine’s Wide World of Sports, Kaino says Richie Arnold would be a natural fit. 208cm identical twins in the second row spells double the trouble and twice the confusion.
“Their ability, skill-set, mobility – they’re just incredible. Both of them would only complement what the Wallabies have and the way they’re trying to play.”
But it’s Rory who gets his chance over the next month.
“I always knew he was quite an intelligent player and a real force at the set-piece area. Obviously quite rangy and he’s got a bit of gas on him as well. He’s a natural leader now in our team. He controls everything around the lineout.”
Kaino keeps coming back to attitude and hard work. “Self starter” and “driven” are words he uses to describe Rory and says Wallaby fans will like what they see in coming weeks.
“When he first arrived he wasn’t really much of an off-loader or ball playing type second row. Now he’s one of our main pivots when we’re playing backs off forwards. Rory’s good with ball in hand into contact but I think he’s added a string to his bow by being that ball player type forward. Having someone that big with that skill set is incredible for us and it works wonders for the way we want to play here in Toulouse,” Kaino says.
Kaino, a veteran of 81 Tests for New Zealand and 137 Super Rugby for the Blues, knows a bit about building winning rugby teams and he says the Wallabies, under Dave Rennie, are right on track.
“I think the new additions, or the returnees if you like, will complement what the Wallabies already have. It’s a scary thought when you look at that team on paper. They look like an awesome squad. I like the look of some of the younger players Dave’s bringing through. It’s looking good.”
It’s Arnold and Will Skelton who’ve grabbed headlines since the squad announcement but Kaino believes hooker Tolu Latu will also make a big difference to the Australian side.
“He’s been playing really well. I’ve been watching him quite closely because I’ve got a few mates at Stade Francais. No breakdown is safe here with Tolu lurking. He’s just been a menace,” Kaino says.
“Like with Will Skelton, teams have to shift the way they want to play because those threats are looming around the breakdown or looming in the defensive line. Tolu’s one of those players who demands attention when you’re planning during the week.
“I know that when we play Stade Francais we spend a lot of time on the breakdown because Tolu’s such a menace. He’s just been awesome.”
The Wallabies next Test is against Scotland at Murrayfield on November 8 (AEDT).