Returning All Black Beauden Barrett to first five-eighths for Friday’s DHL Super Rugby Pacific game against the Brumbies at Eden Park was always going to happen.
Blues coach Vern Cotter said they had wanted to start the season with last year’s settled halfback-first five-eighths combination of Finn Christie and Harry Plummer, but Friday was the chance to give Barrett a chance to lead the team from first five-eighths.
Plummer is on the bench to finish the game or play if injuries occur. Both players are good leaders.
“We’re lucky to have them. People need time to settle, they need time to develop their game.”
Barrett’s presence would not change the team’s approach.
“It’s all about developing our game and creating opportunities, and Beaudie will see them.”
But before any of that can be applied, the forwards need to lay a foundation.
“Getting some dominance up front hasn’t changed so, if we can give them the platform they need to develop the game, we’ll be fine.”
Cotter was upset that the Blues’ motives in attempting to have replacement Sam Nock replaced by Finlay Christie, who had been subbed earlier, were questioned in some quarters.
The Blues doctor felt Nock had suffered a head knock and couldn’t stay on the field. The match doctor said there was no head knock, and Christie was unable to return.
The matter was the subject of a communication to Super Rugby officials, and the game didn’t need some of the insinuations that were made without people knowing the facts.
With Dalton Papali’i out through injury and No8 Hoskins Sotutu under suspension, Cam Christie will play on the blindside flank, with Cameron Suafoa at No8 and Anton Segner on the openside flank.
“Cam had a very good campaign with the Under-20s and he’s been training hard with us and gets an opportunity. He came on last week against the Hurricanes and did well.
“He took the initiative and wasn’t overawed by the occasion. He gets a start, and that’s a clear example of the need for a deep squad for the season.
“Anton Segner will do a great job, as he has done. He’ll step up and [lock] Josh Beehre’s in there with Paddy [Tuipulotu]. We’ll set the platform through the tight five.”
Cotter said the Brumbies played well against the Chiefs last week. They have been effective in getting people to the breakdown and are good at holding the ball.
“You can’t afford to give them access into your 22. They’re very effective there and have got a high conversion rate.”
That would require discipline from the Blues, field position and being clear and calm about their work.
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