RugbyRebels

So apparently the Blues haven’t learned from the Benji debacle and are set to spunk another massive wad of cash up the wall by buying Roger Tuivasa-Sheck from the NRL.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all ... ivasasheck

He says he wants to play for the All Blacks at RWC2023. Exactly which of our outside backs he thinks he can over take isn’t clear. It might be more realistic for him to aim to play for Manu Samoa.

TBF, he did play for 2011 NZ Schools alongside Laumape, Tuipulotu and Ardie Savea https://www.collegesportmedia.co.nz/nzs-2011.HTML but hasn’t played Union since.

So this is actually a thing? RTS is a ligind, but he is doing a bit of a SBW here. WTF? LOL, etc.

I kinda hope it doesn't happen but he has a much better shot than Marshall. For one, it is obvious where he'd play.

His feet are unbelievable. Some say his flat out speed isn't right at the top but he's definitely not slow.

Looks like this is on.

Cameo wrote:I kinda hope it doesn't happen but he has a much better shot than Marshall. For one, it is obvious where he'd play.

His feet are unbelievable. Some say his flat out speed isn't right at the top but he's definitely not slow.

Marshall went about it in the dumbest possible way, getting fast-tracked into the highest level of domestic competition in NZ union with no training wheels.

At least it seems RTS is far more grounded and has at the very least explicitly stated that any notion of him walking straight into an All Blacks jersey is bullshit.

I wish him all the best, and will be right behind if he's got the goods and reaches the top level. But not many successfully transition.

Hard to believe he's only 27. Feels like he's been around for eva.

Not including Rieko, the Blues outside backs contingent consists of:

Mark Teleʻa (24 years old)
Caleb Clarke (21)
AJ Lam (21)
Emoni Narawa (21)
Zarn Sullivan (20)
Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens (19)

Perofeta and Barrett -- whenever he deigns to turn up -- are also viable options at fullback. Clarke and Tele'a have proven they are SR standard, while the other four have various levels of good potential around them; Sullivan and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, in particular. I'm not sure the Blues would really be the best option for him personally, nor for the Blues as a franchise if it comes at the cost of one (or more!) of the high potential youngsters.

As for the All Blacks, they'll be plenty of competition there too. But, somewhat paradoxically, I think he could maybe, possibly have a relatively easier time making the test team than the Blues, simply because of the different timeframes/objectives the two setups are working with. I don't watch the NRL but seems safe to assume that he still has his razzle dazzle footwork that he had at Otahuhu College. If that's the case, then I suppose they could try pull a Milner-Skudder play. That is, throw him into test rugby with such a short lead up to the RWC that teams aren't able to properly counter him.

EDIT: Alternatively, can't we just shoehorn him into the Sevens team?

Good points, of the current crop of youngsters, I would like to see Jordan get some real game time. If he and Clarke are on form, speedy Barrett in the back, where do we find space for RTS? 13 maybe?

RTS has to prove himself in Mitre 10 first, doesn't he?

J Dory wrote:Good points, of the current crop of youngsters, I would like to see Jordan get some real game time. If he and Clarke are on form, speedy Barrett in the back, where do we find space for RTS? 13 maybe?

Beauden is going to be in Japan for a season, so that leaves a gap at 14/15 for the Blues in a backline otherwise made up of Christie, Black, Faiane, Rieiko, Clarke. Rangi has preferred a double playmaker system, so I imagine he'd be looking at placing Fetch or Zarn Sullivan in at 15.

Assuming Barrett is available for the ABs (which he has said he will be - I'm guessing it's the "McAlister Clause" at play), RTS will be competing for the Second Fullback-cum-winger role that Jordie, George Bridge and Will Jordan occupy - and I'd say Jordie is still the one with the inside running by virtue of his utility value.

Lizard wrote:RTS has to prove himself in Mitre 10 first, doesn't he?

Looks reasonably likely he may be suiting up for Auckland this year.