Crusader Taufua right at home with Counties Manukau

This ITM Cup campaign will be some homecoming for new Counties Manukau signing Jordan Taufua.

The 22-year-old Crusaders loose forward lived in South Auckland, playing for Counties Manukau at Under 14 and 16 levels, while attending Alfriston College, before switching to Auckland’s Sacred Heart College, where he played First XV alongside Steelers teammate Ronald Raaymakers.

Taufua saw significant game time, mostly at No 6, for the Crusaders as they went all the way to the Super Rugby final. But it is the desire for more game time at ITM Cup level, not to mention working with Tana Umaga and playing for the Ranfurly Shield, that has driven his signing.

“I’m grateful to be back. The big thing for me was to get constant game time. That’s the only way I was going to become a better professional.”

Blocking his way at Canterbury were Nasi Manu and Luke Whitelock. Last season, he started just five of 12 games as Canterbury annexed their sixth consecutive championship, but he has impressed at ITM or Super level since 2012, and was the out- standing New Zealand forward at the 2012 Junior World Championship.

Taufua will be looking to replicate the muscular ball-carrying of Fritz Lee, now playing for French club Clermont, and there is every reason to think this is an astute piece of business by the Steelers.

“I saw an opportunity here with Fritz going overseas to showcase what I’ve got. The Shield just brings that excitement to a small union. Hopefully we can build on last year’s progress.”

Taufua was training on Saturday, less than a week after the Super Rugby final. He could have taken an extra week’s break, but wanted to hook into his work and learn all the calls with his new teammates, as did fellow Crusader Steelers Jimmy Tupou and Rey Lee-Lo.