Blues aren’t banking on the cheque book
HALF A million for Benji Marshall’s underwhelming code switch and attractive offers rejected by All Blacks playmaker Beauden Barrett and Dominic Bird and, most recently, livewire Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu, who is considered a future national prospect. Flashing the cheque book hasn’t worked for the Blues.
Even in the modern era most players weigh up more than money alone. They want success. They want superior coaching, a pathway to higher honours. And most settled talents are relatively loyal.
The recruitment strategy Blues has to change.
Behind the scenes, the realisation has been made that, over time, nurturing players is more effective than buying superstars.
It’s a theory that will test the patience of the expectant public and board room.
Eleven long years without a title equates to a desperate franchise.
The Blues failed to make the playoffs in the first two years of Sir John Kirwan’s reign but, while they have a publicly-stated goal of making the top six, the Sunday StarTimes understands a 50 per cent winning record next season – the Hurricanes missed the finals with that record this year – will be enough for powerbrokers to extend his coaching contract. Only a major blowout would see him cut loose.
That should allow Kirwan to avoid
of
the another high risk investment. He maintains Marshall wasn’t a complete failure but admits his view around the pivotal halves area has changed.
After frequent selection rethinks, Ihaia West and Bryn Hall will be persevered with there.
‘‘If we were sitting here and I didn’t have a crack, people would be saying ‘what the hell are you doing’,’’ he said. ‘‘I took a risk with Benji. I’m pleased we did that but it didn’t work out. You can’t win this competition without a nine and 10. Are we going to keep chasing guys and losing or are we going to build something?’’
Next year the Blues will already be without former All Blacks lock Tom Donnelly (France) and Piri Weepu ( London Welsh), the midfield punch and guidance from Ma’a Nonu (Hurricanes), Marshall ( NRL) and veteran hooker Tom McCartney ( Connacht). Those defections leave influential holes at lock, halfback and in the midfield.
‘‘Next year, the likes of Charles Piutau, Steven Luatua and Francis Saili, need to come of age and really lead,’’ Kirwan said.
Poaching players from other franchises, particularly the Crusaders and Chiefs who have established strong cultures, is increasingly difficult. Pulu is a prime example. Despite splitting gametime with All Blacks halfback Tawera KerrBarlow, he was not prepared to move north.
‘‘ It’s hard to get good players out of good franchises because they do a good job.
‘‘Some of the guys show a lot of loyalty and they stay for the right reasons. It’s about understanding where our holes are and building four or five players coming through in that position.’’