Collins re-signs with Blues: ‘Change will happen’
Blues fullback Michael Collins has recommitted to the Super Rugby franchise by signing a oneyear extension to his contract.
Collins, a solid decisionmaker who is good under the high ball and can attack well on the counter, has played eight of the Blues’ 12 matches this season and said he believed in the direction the team were going.
He signed before the confirmation former All Blacks fullback Leon MacDonald will join the franchise as an assistant coach for three years starting next season.
“I’ve re-signed for another year, which I’m excited about,” the 24-yearold said. “I believe change will happen here and I want to be part of that. I was lucky with T [ coach Tana Umaga] giving me a chance.”
The Blues face the Rebels late on Saturday afternoon and making their task that much more difficult is the probability they will not select their best strike weapon, Rieko Ioane, due to the All Blacks’ rest protocol.
Ioane’s pace and power were extraordinary in a losing effort to the Crusaders before their bye last weekend. Should Ioane be rested as expected before next weekend’s first test against France at Eden Park, Collins will likely start in the No 15 jersey.
“From an outsider’s perspective, you probably only see losses and that’s 100 per cent understandable, but from in the camp, the belief has always been there and everyone gets on,” Collins said. “I believe in the direction we’re heading and what we’re trying to achieve.”
The Blues are second-to-last on the Super Rugby table and waved goodbye to their playoff hopes months ago.
In an extraordinary run of results, the Blues have lost to the Chiefs, Sharks, Highlanders, Jaguares, Hurricanes and Crusaders at Eden Park.
“We have got two New Zealand derbies and two games against Australian teams to make a statement and that’s what we intend to do,” Collins said.
“In the past, we haven’t been able to win away or win two games in a row. I have no doubt that will change.”