Francis’ move adds twist but he’ll stay at 10

Englishman returning home but set to retain role of playmaker Rampant Canes have deadliest attack

The selection of the Blues’ No 10, a subject of much discussion for more than a decade since Carlos Spencer’s reign, has been given an added twist for the team’s next match against the Bulls following the announcement by Piers Francis that he is off to Northampton after this Super Rugby season.

Francis is adamant he should remain in the position after his performance against the Crusaders, and coach Tana Umaga is almost certain to agree.

Ihaia West, the previous incumbent, will likely get his chance again this season, but for now the 26-yearold from Gravesend in Kent should be relied on to put the Blues back on track no matter that he is returning to the country of his birth.

The Blues desperately need a win after three successive losses to New Zealand teams, and they showed in the first 50 minutes at AMI Stadium that they have in Francis a game manager who can help them do that. It’s time for pragmatism.

Asked whether his decision to leave would play a part in Umaga’s selections, Francis said: “I don’t think so. If I’m performing and the team is performing then what is happening

I spoke to ‘T’ in depth about it. The timing is a tricky thing. Piers Francis

All the evidence suggests the Hurricanes are the most dangerous attacking side in Super Rugby.

There is respite, however, this weekend for the opposition. That’s because they have the bye.

Yes, it is true that the Hurricanes gorged themselves on tries and points in their opening two clashes against the Sunwolves and Rebels, but they have proven in the last fortnight, especially in the second halves of the defeat to the Chiefs and the 41-15 win over the Highlanders, that they can strike from anywhere.

The Hurricanes have scored 33 tries in four games, more than eight each outing. The Lions are next best with 22. But there is starch to the Hurricanes too, having conceded just seven tries. The Chiefs lead the way with just six tries against their name.

Vince Aso is the unlikely leading Super Rugby tryscorer in 2017, his three braces giving him six, but then follows Ngani Laumape, whose five tries in four games compares favourably to his 2016 output of four post-season shouldn’t affect it. If I’m not performing then I don’t expect to be given the jersey.”

In the first half against the Crusaders, the Blues returned to the attacking heights of their round one victory over the Rebels in Melbourne, before the home side instigated their almost inevitable fightback and overturned a 21-5 halftime deficit to win 33-24.

All of the backs, and in particular midfielders George Moala and Rieko Ioane and wings Melani Nanai and Matt Duffie, displayed an attacking spark that has been absent in their defeats to the Chiefs and Highlanders and for that reason Francis is right to feel confident he will get the nod again.

The Bulls will bring a big pack but the Blues have the firepower out wide to cause them difficulties.

His decision to leave is likely to disappoint Umaga, a coach in his second year at the franchise and still in 11. Laumape is probably the form New Zealand No 12 over the first month. The brothers Savea have four each, Julian now with a career total of 41 in just six seasons, is the highest of all active players. Mind you, TJ Perenara has 39 Hurricanes tries to his name in even less time.

We know the Hurricanes can punish opponents in several areas of the field, not just out wide. This is exemplified by Ardie Savea, who made four offloads, the round-high, and 17 carries, from the unfamiliar No 8 position.

Fullback Jordie Barrett showed all his class with three offloads and a miracle behind-the-back flick misspass, which found Laumape for a try against the Highlanders.

Aso and Laumape are metreeaters, chalking up 349 each, second equal in the competition. Laumape has beaten 22 defenders, the competition high, while Julian Savea has beaten 17, and is looking ominously sharp for March. He and Laumape have made 12 breaks each in 2017, with Aso on 10. All this without regular input from injured outside searching for a long-term first-five, but in Francis’ favour is the fact that he has kept Umaga informed.

“These opportunities arise pretty quickly and they can be taken pretty quickly. It’s only really in the last two weeks that this has come about.

“I spoke to ‘T’ in depth about it. I’m pleased I kept him in the loop. The timing is a tricky thing. As you say, I’ve been given the 10 jersey which I’ve been craving for a while now.”

Umaga, who was also Francis’ coach at Counties Manukau, has had a big impact on his career in New Zealand. Umaga has always prized the Englishman’s toughness, but the inside back was also hugely impressive with his composure and running game late last season when replacing West in the No 10 jersey, and he’s likely to be given every chance again.

“I came back over here and [Umaga] gave me the opportunity at Counties and I’ve always had the intention of not letting him down and not letting the jersey down.

“I’m really grateful for my time out here in New Zealand with the Blues rugby team and for New Zealand Rugby in general for the support they’ve given me, but I feel it’s the right time for me. A big factor is that my whole family is over there and it would be great for them to experience the journey that I’m on.” backs, former All Blacks Nehe MilnerSkudder and Cory Jane, and with Beauden Barrett understandably easing into the season without yet going at full attacking throttle.

In short, if the weather is fine and they gain parity in possession, the Hurricanes are hard to peg. The Reds are the next in their firing line, on April 1 in Brisbane.

The bye has come at a good time for the Hurricanes as they review their injury toll.

Hookers Dane Coles and Ricky Riccitelli are both under injury clouds and may have struggled to play this weekend, but should be fit to face the Reds. Medium-term injured Cory Jane and Vaea Fifita are on track for the April 7 home clash with the Waratahs.

Those in the wider training group who have not seen much game time will front for the Hurricanes Development XV against the Crusaders Knights in Levin on Saturday.