The Brumbies face a dilemma if new recruit Peter Hewat proves a saviour and plays a key role in getting them into the Super Rugby finals.
The Brumbies announced on Sunday that former Waratahs star Hewat had joined the Australian conference leaders subject to insurance clearance in the wake of the season-ending injuries to playmakers Christian Lealiifano and Matt Toomua.
But at best he will only be able to play regular season games, not finals, as competition rules require players to have been signed, or be eligible to sign, before April 1 to play in finals matches.
That was the least of coach Jake White’s concerns for the moment as he welcomed the experience provided by 34-year-old Hewat, who has spent the last two seasons in Japan with Suntory after three years with London Irish in the English Premiership.
A prolific goalkicker, Hewat is better known as a fullback or outside back in Australia from his time with NSW but has played at five-eighth in Japan.
“Peter offers plenty of experience to our younger players and we are pleased to have him for the rest of the season,” White said on Sunday.
“He is a proven point scorer and has plenty of experience at top level rugby, both in Australia and overseas. I’m looking forward to seeing him in action in Brumbies colours.”
The Brumbies return from a timely bye to face the improving Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday, when White will have to decide on a new five-eighth, either one of youngsters Robbie Coleman and Zack Holmes or possibly Hewat if his insurance is cleared in time.
Markus
Guest
That's what I mean, they haven't recruited a tried and tested ex Super Rugby flyhalf, they have recruited a Japanese competition flyhalf, which is not really at the same level as Super Rugby. Actually, after witnessing the pasting the Brumby Runners gave to the Japanese national team a few years back, I would say it is substantially lower than Super Rugby. I can understand bringing him in as cover, but would question if they rush him in to start over Coleman and Holmes.
Red Kev
Guest
He can play in the finals, the Brumbies just need a dispensation from SANZAR - remember Schalk Britz played one game for the Stormers last year, the semi-final they lost to the Crusaders.
Brett McKay
Expert
Markus, he's been playing 10 with Suntory in Japan (under Eddie Jones, hence the recommendation), and with numerous other options available for the Brumbies at fullback (Crawford, to name just one), Hewat's absolutely been bought in as a 10...
Markus
Guest
I don't really see the point. While he was a strong fullback, he never played flyhalf at this level so is in no better a position than Holmes or Coleman. If anything, having never been part of the squad he would be at a distinct disadvantage to both. I hope he is only there as a fallback should the Brumbies happen to lose one or both of Coleman and Holmes in the next two matches. It would be disappointing to see White suddenly turn his back on backing his youngsters, which has proved extremely successful so far.
sixo_clock
Guest
Probably one of the most mis-understood backs in Oz history. His defensive shortcomings were more than offset by his attacking prowess. Peter was a well thought out gamble but no-one took the punt. DIdn't see any of his work OS, he must have improved for him to be considered by the Brumbies.