It’s time for the nearly men to deliver
As the Super Rugby season approaches, Fairfax Media previews the New Zealand teams’ campaigns, beginning today with The Blues. reports.
By the end of round four we will have a much clearer picture of whether the Blues will kick on and make the playoffs for the first time in six years.
Yep, it has been that long - 2011 under Pat Lam is the beacon off in the distance that stands out amid a long stretch of mediocrity.
That’s a tad harsh for last year’s effort. Tana Umaga’s debut campaign showed enough improvement to generate genuine hope. And his off-season recruitment drive that netted Augustine Pulu, Sonny Bill Williams, Pauliasi Manu and Jimmy Tupou only raise expectations further.
Now the crunch arrives. Preseason offered enough promising signs; certainly the final outing against a near full-strength Chiefs side suggested the Blues will bring the required intent and accuracy.
Alistair Rogers has the Blues hitting hard in defence and standing firm on their goal line. It’s all very well to score tries but, as the Hurricanes showed in their final three playoff matches in Wellington, defence wins championships.
Steve Jackson also appears to have the set piece - the scrum being led by Manu - humming. And the forward pack is hitting rucks with vigour.
Those foundations give the Blues the necessary tools. Executing that under pressure, and on a consistent basis, is now their challenge. They must also play as a team. With so many stars, particularly in the backline, there’s a danger of not feeding others who are in a better position.
In the first four weeks the Blues face three local derbies. After travelling to Melbourne where they simply must put away the Rebels on opening night, they take on the Chiefs (away), Highlanders (home) and Crusaders (away) - all without Williams, who is not back until at least round six.
Last year the Blues lost five of their six matches against Kiwi opposition. Given the strength and depth across the New Zealand squads, it’s not going to be any easier in 2017.
Of those three matches the Blues need to win at least one to keep themselves in the race. New Zealand teams will cannibalise each other again but playing catchup so early is not an advantageous place to be.
Naturally, Williams shapes as a trump card. But his presence will be carefully managed and he’s likely to need time to find a groove in a new backline after returning from injury and the sevens arena.
Pulu is the key man for the Blues. He is tough, and has been immediately installed in the leadership group. His decisionmaking has improved. His running game is lethal. Give him go forward ball and this year he could prove an inspiring presence.
As always question marks linger at first five-eighth, where Ihaia West, Piers Francis and young Stephen Perofeta will contest the role. But with Pulu inside them and oodles of flamboyance further out, only the basics are required. Provide strong voice and direction.
Nearly men is not good enough from the Blues this year.
The time has come take the next step.