BLUES ARE BACK
Auckland’s sleeping giants look to finally be awakening from their lengthy slumber
THE Blues have been the sleeping giant of Super Rugby for the best part of two decades, but there have been signs in recent weeks that this once great Auckland powerhouse is awakening from its slumber.
Irish households have been taking in Super Rugby Aotearoa on weekend mornings in recent weeks. New Zealand’s domestic tournament has been the first competition to get back on the field in the wake of Covid-19 and, although there have been teething problems with some new interpretations of the laws (there were 58 penalties conceded across the opening two games), it has proved a hugely entertaining spectacle, showcasing the skill and endeavour of the Kiwis.
And the Blues have been the big story in that part of the world. There was a time when they were the dominant force. That was a long, long time ago, however. You have to go back to the late 90s and early 2000s to discover a period of dominance by a squad laced with household names.
Coached by Graham Henry, the Blues would reach three consecutive Super 12 finals in 1996, 1997 and 1998 – winning two and losing one final to the Canterbury Crusaders.
A quick scan of the Blues teamsheet and you could see why the Blues were such a prolific outfit in those early years of the professional game: Sean Fitzpatrick, Michael, Jones, Zinzan Brooke, Carlos Spencer, Eroni Clarke and Jonah Lomu, to name but a few.
A new generation would secure another title in 2003 thanks in no small part to a stellar cast of backs in Spencer, Joe Rokocoko, Mils Muliaina and Doug Howlett.
But the franchise lost its way after that. Even Joe Schmidt struggled to make an impact there before he moved on to greater things with Clermont.
The region has not landed silverware for 17 years, with coaching tickets and players coming and going at an alarming rate. It was a situation that mystified people across the country.
Auckland really should be the epicentre of New Zealand rugby. It is the biggest city in the country by far (almost 1.5 million Kiwis call it home), it has a thriving schools system, world-class facilities at Eden Park, big financial backing and a rich history.
Yet consistency and success rarely arrived on the pitch. Meanwhile, all their provincial rivals continued to make strides and capture Super Rugby titles with regularity, including the prolific Crusaders, who have become the kingpins of New Zealand rugby.
But there have been signs that the Blues are finally beginning to reach their potential again. Under the guidance of former All Blacks full-back Leon MacDonald – who has Tana Umaga on his backroom team – they have caught the eye in recent weeks.
MacDonald has invested heavily in a youthful squad and it’s reaping dividends. Hoskins Sotutu has been sending social media ablaze with his performances at No8.
Still only 21, he looks a serious prospect. It says everything about New Zealand’s production line of talent that no sooner has Kieran
Read hung up his boots than another world class No8 arrives through the ranks to seamlessly take his place. And Sotutu is just one of several future All Blacks on display.
Caleb Clarke’s father, Eroni, was part of that stellar Blues squad of the 90s and he looks like a chip off the old block. Beauden Barrett has been going about his business quietly at full-back but there is no denying that his All Blacks team-mate Patrick Tuipulotu looks a different player this year.
The Blues captain looked out of his depth against Ireland when the All Blacks were vanquished at Soldier Field in 2016, but Tuipulotu is a different beast these days. You could do worse over the coming weeks than to set the alarm and tune into the Blues’ revival on Saturday mornings.
And Dan Carter still has to lace up his boots for his new club for good measure.
Otherwise, it’s been fascinating to watch New Zealand’s best and brightest in action. After getting a bye on the opening weekend, the Crusaders made their first run out against the Hurricanes in Wellington yesterday morning, sealing a 39-25 victory. Ireland were torn to shreds by the likes of Jack Goodhue, George Bridge and Sevu Reece at the World Cup last year and the trio were in sparkling form again at the weekend, along with flying full-back Will Jordan, who looks like another All Black in waiting.
The biggest issue on the opening two weekends has been the high penalty count.
New Zealand rugby chiefs have taken the opportunity to trial some new laws in their own competition and there have been some issues.
The high number of breakdown penalties will take some time to settle down, while the renewed emphasis on teams staying onside has led to a flurry of penalties as well. The hope, going forward, is these adjustments will lead to a faster and more fluid game. That can only be a good thing.
There has been much to admire about Super Rugby Aotearoa in recent weeks and Blues have been top of the bill.
‘Even Schmidt failed to make an impact there’ ‘Jordan looks like an All Black in waiting’