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Watching the Highlanders in 2015 just further exemplifies the sorry state of affairs at the Blues and rugby in New Zealand’s capital city, arguably the greatest talent pool for the sport in the world.
It’s hard to think of a side in rugby at present that performs so far above the names on its team sheet as the Highlanders do. I couldn’t help but getting out of my seat with fists pumping repeatedly on Saturday evening as the Highlanders turned on the magic to see off last year’s champions the Waratahs.
It’s evident every time the Highlanders turn up that they are playing for the jersey, for the region and for each other and the old adage in rugby that as a player you should never leave anything on the field is certainly true of the Otago based side.
With only three All Blacks in their squad and a team full of offcuts from other provinces it wouldn’t be unfair on the Highlanders to write them off as perennial wooden spoon contenders.
Yet anyone who may have dismissed last season’s playoff achievement as a one-off may well be forced to eat humble pie as the Highlanders now have three wins from their opening four matches. That two of those three victories have come against the Chiefs and Waratahs makes it even the more impressive.
Some of the rugby from the Highlanders on Saturday was nothing short of breathtaking as Ben and Aaron Smiths, Malakai Fekitoa, Patrick Osborne and Nemani Nadolo tore the Waratahs to pieces.
However, giving all the credit to the backs would be an unfair assessment of this Highlanders side. Their forward pack, consisting of pretty much all journey men or no names, performed brilliantly on Saturday and Elliot Dixon and Nasi Manu in particular were absolute colossuses.
In Nadolo, the Highlanders have unearthed a real gem, a lethal finisher who possesses the x-factor, capable of punishing sides given a fraction of a chance. It is a real tragedy that he will be heading offshore later this season, but that sums up the Highlanders franchise and the issue that Jamie Joseph faces with his squad year in, year out as players come and go and squad depth is always tested.
There is one constant that does remain, though, and that is the passion and spirit that they play with.
Saying the Blues play with passion, desire and heart would make even the most diehard Blues fan choke on their cappuccino.
It’s not that the Blues lack effort or aren’t professional in their approach or attitude. It’s just something doesn’t quite seem right when you watch them play. Their players seem slightly apathetic, not possessing that same desperation and hunger to win every game.
The days of Sean Fitzpatrick, the Brooke brothers, Benson Stanley, Carlos Spencer and John Kirwan seem so long ago now, perhaps the players coming through don’t even associate with that era of dominance. Is it that years of mediocrity has set the new standard for rugby in the city of sails?
Kirwan is a likeable character and to be fair to him he inherited a side hardly brimming with talent and confidence. However, it’s now year three of his regime and he has to take a bit of blame with the recruitment strategy that’s been implemented at the Blues. Perhaps there is a bit of arrogance within Auckland ranks that because they have the biggest talent pool in the country they don’t need to recruit from elsewhere.
The Blues’ continued failure to pick up a top class number 10 is beyond comprehension, surely there is enough money in the coffers to pull off a coup and land a Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade or Tom Taylor? Why could the Blues not have landed James Lowe, who is performing so well on the wing this season, and a position where the Blues have quite frankly looked nothing short of embarrassing.
Again you look to the Highlanders and a player like Shaun Treeby, a player that may not be the most talented but performs week in, week out for his side, but then if you put him in a Blues jersey would we see that same performance?
That’s not to say there aren’t players who are not playing well for the Blues in 2015. The forward pack has performed strongly and Jerome Kaino, Charlie Faumuina and Patrick Tuipulotu have all shown their class in a disappointing side.
Steven Luatua remains an enigma, far too hot and cold for the talent he possesses, and when you compare him to the likes of the Highlanders’ Shane Christie and Elliot Dixon, players with far less natural talent but mentally tougher, it really sums up the difference between the franchises. Personally I can’t see how Luatua can even be close to being in the top 12 loose forwards in New Zealand rugby at present.
It’s a long old season and there are sure to be more twists and turns along the way but at this stage its harder than ever to be a Blues fan. At least there is always the Highlanders.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.