New Zealand’s halfbacks can expect to come under the microscope in this year’s Super Rugby as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen looks to finalise the back-ups to Aaron Smith for the World Cup.
Tawera Kerr-Barlow was expected to be in the mix until a serious knee injury last year left him in a race against time to be fit by September.
His Chiefs teammate Augustine Pulu was the benefactor when he was selected for the end of year tour squad alongside Smith and Hurricanes No.9 TJ Perenara.
The 25-year-old came on in the wins against the USA and Scotland and would love nothing more than to be heading back north again later in the year.
“It’s always a dream to go to the World Cup,” Pulu said.
“Every World Cup year is always a really important year so everyone is driving and giving that little bit extra to get a place on that plane.”
The biggest competition for a coveted World Cup spot will come from Perenara, who has yet to totally convince at international level, and former All Blacks Andy Ellis and Jimmy Cowan.
Ellis won’t feature in the early rounds due to his commitments in Japan, but Cowan will battle it out with Bryn Hall and Jamison Gibson-Park for the Blues No.9 jersey.
Pulu won’t concern himself with the form of his rivals or where he sits in Hansen’s pecking order.
“If you spend time worrying about other people you won’t see what you need to work on,” he explained.
“I’ve learned a lot (from the All Blacks tour). It gives me a clear idea of where I’m heading.
“My goals for this year are just trying to play well here (at the Chiefs) and hopefully get a call.”
Pulu is likely to get an early look at Cowan when the Chiefs, who start the season as favourites to win a third title, take on the Blues on Saturday night.
It is the first match in a tough opening month for the Chiefs who then play the Brumbies, Crusaders and Highlanders at home before heading to South Africa.
“It is a big start,” said Pulu.
“But that’s where you want to get those big games at the start so you can measure yourself as a team to see where you are and what’s needed to have that trophy at the end of the year.”
44bottles
Roar Guru
Go Ellis!
YouCantBeSerious
Guest
TKB should be fit and I would take him, I think he will be back for the final rds but Im not sure. Pulu, TKB and Smith imo.
Jnr
Guest
Go Pulu if he plays the style he does for Counties for the chiefs he will be there his running game woooo.
Old Bugger
Guest
Pulu's been given this opportunity to now empty his kit-bag and just show how many tricks he's got in his armoury. I've witnessed past occasions where he has done just that and came out against the odds, to grab a match by its horns and turn it on its head. This is what he has to do especially with such a star-studded backline just chompin at the bit to be let loose but, this is exactly what he and Cruds need to make sure that this backline presence doesn't dictate or affect, their own game/match plays and ability. Stay the line with playing the basics to the optimum and force the opposition to play catch-up or worse still, play an error filled game. Play the game by winning the inches before pursuing the yardage, stay patient, play error free and stick to the game plan. The backline will follow you both. This will be a career defining season for Pulu if he uses what he learned on the EOYT to take his game to the next level - then IMO, he will enjoy the pressure that will naturally follow rather than be affected by it. Good luck and all the best Gus....it is now up to you, to go forward.