Piutau admits World Cup blow was tough

WHILE the All Blacks parade the Webb Ellis Cup in New Zealand, Charles Piutau is fielding questions on a rainy afternoon at Wasps’ training ground in Acton, west London.

And one particular question could define the 24-year-old’s career: What if he hadn’t agreed a move to Europe and had subsequently made Steve Hansen’s 31-man squad?

The full-back may have another chance in Japan in four years time but, for now, instead of sporting a winner’s medal he is preparing to face Leinster in today’s Champions Cup tie.

‘It’s human to have those “what ifs”,’ said Piutau (right). ‘I gave everything I could to be selected. I knew there was a possibility that moving could affect my chances.

‘The coaches told me it wasn’t the reason, but I felt it was partly. It was tough. No player likes to be a spectator in the biggest tournament.

‘It was quite hard to swallow. I backed myself to make that team but it wasn’t to be.’ Despite leaving southern hemisphere rugby, Piutau believes his new club offer an equally exciting style. He draws attention to centre Elliot Daly and wing Christian Wade, who start alongside him in Dublin today, as players who would be embraced in New Zealand, despite not making the cut for England.

‘The All Blacks — and the other southern hemisphere — nations would love players like those two,’ he said. ‘Talented, attacking boys like that, coaches will pick according to their game plan. Some players are hard done by because certain skill sets are different to how the coaches want to play.’

Having scored five tries in 10 starts for the All Blacks, Piutau seemed a perfect fit for Hansen’s game plan.

But the decision to move to abroad drew criticism from the coach and he was deemed surplus to requirements.

But Piutau will put his disappointment behind him when he features in today’s clash and sets about winning European honours.