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.
Mark
Guest
Pah - the Blues and Auckland are the worst run sporting teams of all time A never ending procession of useless coaches Zero player development Zero talent identification Zero quality player recruitement With their commercial and player base they should dominate the NZ scene - they dont even come close The fact they have to import a 5th rate 1st five from another province shows just how bad it is - they cant develop their own and they cant attract anyone of any quality You have to assume that Dalton was planted by Canterbury to destroy Auckland rugby - there is no other way to explain is total and complete incompetence
Mark
Guest
Sorry - are you implying that Auckland is NZ's Capital City?
Akari
Roar Rookie
Where and what is the story with Peter Ahki? He should be playing at 12 or 13. Is he injured?
Akari
Roar Rookie
Tuipulotu has been a disappointment this year and is quite easy to tackle and put down for a big boy. His running technique needs improvement as he is going the way of Luatua and quite lazy IMO, perhaps because of a lack of fitness.
Akari
Roar Rookie
Naholo, Nadolo or the Phantom; I reckon Nah would easily beat Nad in a sprint contest....
ben
Guest
So you rekn he was pulled into the abs wider training squad just to hold tacklebags?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Osborne was next cab of the rank last season when he was pulled into the training squad.
Campbell Watts
Guest
It was 12 nil after about 15 minutes, the Highlanders then turned it on against the reigning champs and scored 26 unanswered points! A consolation last minute try brought the score back to some respectability for the Tahs. Yeah I called that tore them to pieces....
Campbell Watts
Guest
So that's why he's running for so many metres each week - defences can't see him! ;)
leftfield
Roar Pro
"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." This is about the only point where I disagree. The Blues are probably the only NZ team that could and should recruit within their area (plus counties). Running round trying to pinch players from other parts of the country is futile when you have talent in your own backyard (and rugby league) and everyone knows it. If they had paid attention to the players under their noses they would be better off. They should have hung onto and developed Gareth Anscombe. Instead of having Nonu and Jackson Willison from outside the area they should have hung onto and developed Malakia Fekitoa (who was playing the house down for Auckland that ITM cup season). Admittedly Nonu didn't play too bad for the Blues last year but he was off again as soon as possible, leaving us with neither player. As for importing wings I actually think wing is one of the areas where the blues are fairly well covered, it's the midfield and 1st5 that look shaky.
MACDUB
Guest
Luatua just seems to lack that killer instinct. He comes across as having a very casual demeanour - Shag sent him away from the ABs because of a lack of fitness and that he hadn't done the work away from camp. I'm a not sure he is the fittest bloke out. I think problems like that will continue to hold his career back. Tuipolotu on the other hand is just as talented if not more talented, and has that extra work ethic and instinct. His work rate in the final quarter of that Brisbane ABs game last year was a masterclass. Compare that with Luatua's game against SA where the ABs lost - he was walking to rucks, missing tackles and generally being non-involved.
ThePope
Roar Rookie
Other than that nit-picking quibble, I totally agree with you. The Highlanders are playing well above their supposed level and I just love it. Whether they can go the distance - well, who knows? But they won't die not knowing, and that is all to their credit. They play rugby like a club team of guys who like playing together, even though we know that many are imports or mercenaries. Despite that there seems to be that club unity and understanding in their play. Jamie Joseph and his staff obviously have great eyes for spotting hidden talent, as well as the ability to extract the maximum out of guys known to have it in abundance. What could he/they do with some of the amazingly gifted players in the Blues or Crusaders that rarely seem to reach the heights of which they are capable? Or is it that Joseph's talents lie in stirring up the underdogs? Whatever it is, it's great to watch. It makes up for all the bland dross in Super Rugby these days. Hmm, might go order myself one of those lime green jerseys now. (I'm fairly sure they'll still be in stock.)
taylorman
Roar Guru
I'll take the bet. Next year Hansen will be trying all sorts of players and he'll have had a good look at Osborne over the last two. I reckon he's exactly what the AB's need in terms of new blood.
LOLlicon
Guest
HE just needs a real coach.
Greg
Guest
This is obviously written by a JAFA!! Auckland the capital???
Not Bothered
Guest
I bet you Osborne is never an AB. He couldnt get a run when he was at the Saders or much of a run with the Chiefs, now you think he might get a run with the ABs?
Not Bothered
Guest
People blame the coach because its easy.
Not Bothered
Guest
Dagg at 15. Piutau is not a great fullback imo. Much better wing and centre.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well a NZ who wants to be a millionaire would probably have some kiwis not realising Canberra is capital...I mean it's an odd one the old 'state' setup. Trouble is...we haven't got a million bucks!... :-(
Cam Avery
Roar Guru
I'm a kiwi mate, was meant to write NZ's largest city but for whatever reason I wrote NZ's capital city, honest mistake!