It has taken an injury to five-eighth Aaron Cruden for Gareth Anscombe to get his shot in the Chiefs No.10 jersey and the 22-year-old is determined to make the most of it.
Cruden has played the past 42 games at five-eighth for the Chiefs since joining them in 2012.
But a broken thumb means the All Blacks pivot will be on the sidelines for the next six weeks – handing Anscombe his chance.
“Obviously Cruden is a big loss. Everyone knows the class he brings to the side. We will as a team miss him,” said Anscombe ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton.
“It’s up to me to step into his shoes, step up for the team and make sure I bring the same sort of leadership and direction that he’s shown over the last few years.”
It is a challenge Anscombe is relishing after converting to fullback when he joined the Chiefs in 2013 and excelling there.
The Aucklander hasn’t played at 10 since a Chiefs’ pre-season game against the Highlanders last year. His last competition outing in the position was for Auckland in the ITM Cup in 2012.
But he is unfazed about making the switch.
“I’ve trained there with the Chiefs throughout the last two years. It’s a chance for me now to put that into practice on the field,” he said.
“I’m sure (the Rebels) will send a few runners my way. I’ll have a big role to play in our defence. But at 10 I’ve really got to give this team good direction.”
Anscombe, like Cruden, has an astute kicking game and is also willing to take on the line too.
It means the Chiefs’ game plan should not be vastly different with Anscombe at the helm.
“Obviously there will be subtle little changes but I’ve played with him enough over the last two years and seen him in action so I know the way we try and play as a team.”
Kuruki
Roar Guru
And the circus rolls on. Another eight changes, has to be some sort of record. Losing one captain to injury then benching the other is an interesting move. Rettalick deserves the captaincy, he has been our best player, i'm sure he will lead by his actions. Will be good to see how Marshall performs at the back because i don't think he has hit his form as of yet. Great to see Aki back from injury, very timely. Macintosh needs a big one this week. I just hope the boys turn up mentally for this one after a long trip home. If we are hungry and switched on i think we will win this one, if we turn up half ar$ed like the past 3 weeks we will get beaten, the firepower off the bench is not there this week.
Chan Wee
Guest
yes , his father coaches Ulster in UK.
KiwiDave
Roar Guru
Ouch! Cruden out for 6 weeks. That's a big loss but Anscombe is good cover and Mils is playing the fullback role with his usual high standard. Although a little will be lost on attack, I prefer Anscombe as a place kicker as he is more reliable.
Buzzard
Guest
He would have been lost to European rugby or the Force or Rebels if he had stayed at the Blues. The best move he made was going to the Chiefs. He will be at home at 1st 5/8 so no biggy.
Turnover
Roar Guru
Yep the Blues probably should have held on to that one..
Tane Mahuta
Guest
He will do just fine.