Black eyes Blues spot
BLUES or Chiefs – that’s the decision it seems Otere Black will make within the next month.
When it comes to first fiveeighth, Black is the hottest property on New Zealand’s open rugby market.
After three years with the Hurricanes, the 21-year-old comes off contract at the end of this season.
The Blues appear the logical choice in order to stamp his own mark.
‘‘For me obviously there is a spot at the Blues,’’ Black said. ‘‘As you can see they’ve got a pretty awesome side and as a 10 it’s not a bad spot to come to and run off the inside and outside backs.
‘‘I’m trying to put that on hold and just play my footy but I understand that people want to know and I’ll have to make a decision in the next few weeks. It’s been in the air for a while now so I need to sit down and make a call about where I want to go.’’
The Hurricanes have been a good fit, allowing the Manawatu product to learn off the world’s best No 10 in Beauden Barrett and not rush Black’s development during an extended apprenticeship.
But, like all confident backline directors, Black wants the chance to run the cutter on a full-time basis. And, despite the Hurricanes’ keenness to keep him, he knows that’s not going to happen if he sticks around Wellington beyond this year.
‘‘It’s tough but I’m learning off the best player in the world,’’ Black said. ‘‘He shows that week in, week out. I’m fortunate to be able to see that Monday to Friday. But now I feel I’m ready to step up and play a bit more footy.
‘‘The Canes have given me that opportunity the past few weeks but I know my time at the Canes, as long as Beauden is there, he is going to be the man. I’ll have to sit down with my family and agent and it’ll be pretty exciting.
‘‘At the moment it’s still up in the air. I’ve got a few offers there. I’m trying to do my talking on the field but a time will come soon to make a decision and it’s going to be a big one for me.
‘‘It feels like I’ve been around forever but a lot of people don’t realise I’m still a baby.’’
Black’s options are limited. The Highlanders are set with Lima Sopoaga, and Richie Mo’unga at the Crusaders is evidence of what another young playmaker can do when given faith and time in the saddle.
Which brings us to the Blues and Chiefs. With Aaron Cruden set to depart for France at the end of this season the first-five role would be open in Hamilton but for the fact Damian McKenzie is expected to switch there from fullback next year. The All Blacks also believe No 10 is McKenzie’s best long-term position.
Colin Cooper, poised to replace Dave Rennie as Chiefs coach in 2018, knows Black’s talents having first selected him for New Zealand Maori in 2015.
But it is the Blues who have the biggest carrot to offer.
The Blues have Taranaki’s Stephen Perofeta on their books for the next two years. But the 20-year-old is yet to make his Super Rugby debut. After one solid cameo against the Hurricanes last week, North Harbour’s Bryn Gatland could force his way into the squad next year.
Ultimately, the dream result for Umaga is to lure Black north. Of all the Blues’ potential options, GETTY IMAGES he is the only established first-five Umaga can rely on.
‘‘With the departure of Piers Francis to England, there is obviously a spot available for an inside back,’’ the Blues said in a statement about the potential recruitment of Black in 2018. ‘‘We have three young players currently with us. In considering all our options, we do speak to agents of players coming off contracts if they are of interest to us as is expected in a professional sporting environment.’’