Aisle be Back: Hurricanes v Blues in Wellington

• By Kevin McCarthy 

I said a year ago that somehow, I thought Scott Robinson would get his main man Richie Mo’ounga some how on the plane to South Africa for the great Trek. The duo would be on tour, despite the niceties in the NZR eligibility rules.

Well, Scott Robinson strolled past me on Lambton Quay yesterday, looking ready for the beach rather than the veldt. No need to swat up on the Afrikaans.

However, I remain convinced that Mo’ounga will be borrowing Razor’s phrasebook. And it seems Brodie Retallick and Shannon Frizzell might have need of it as well.

Quite frankly, why not? The rules would appear to be that they must prove they have still got what it takes by proving themselves against the Turbos or the Stags at NPC level.

Rules are there to be if not broken, at least bent and/or rewritten. The logic has been that keeping eligibility for the All Blacks tight will preserve the standards of local provincial and super Rugby competitions.

Yet more and more young players seem to be making the call early, even when not yet at full potential, to take their calling card overseas. For some it’s an excellent move – for a few. It turns out not to be for them, and they find welcome returns upon coming back to New Zealand.

At the elite end, there is a ready turnstile of experienced All Blacks signing on for sabbaticals.

In short, the reality of the 2020s is already demanding that the rules be redrawn in a smart fashion, so that the ultimate goal – fielding the best national side – is achieved.

That doesn’t necessarily mean open slather. Persisting, however, with rules that have carveouts for the top tier is a peculiar way to proceed.

In the case of veterans like Retallick and company,  All Black coaches should be able to pick them at will.

For a middle tier of future talent, then getting them to serve time in New Zealand before being eligible for national selection seems wise. The grey area is whether they have played for the All Blacks before, and for how long.

The national side is about to embark on the toughest touring assignment – in theory – in a long time, while still bedding in a new coach and approach. A world cup comes soon after that. Time to get ruthless – as, you must remember – the South Africans do.

As Tana Umaga once famously said, we’re not playing tiddlywinks now.

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There’s a nasty ex-cyclone coming by Sunday/ Monday according to the forecasters. But Saturday evening in Wellington is also forecast to be crisp and clear, and essentially windless.

The weather gauge for me remains unclear with these Blues, and thus, this match will answer a lot. The Hurricanes we know have a full set of sail on, with momentum from a gentler schedule so far, and a backline full of confidence.

The Blues sit close behind, after playing an extra game – and with a great incentive to puncture the tires of the home side. The Chiefs, Crusaders and assorted Aussie teams are all ready to swallow up anyone who starts misfiring now.

This isn’t the tight-margin league of last year in scores – but the league table is tightening.

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Pasilio Tosi (Paremata-Plimmerton) starts at tighthead prop alongside fellow front rowers Xavier Numia (Oriental-Rongotai) and Asafo Aumua (Avalon) in an all-Wellington front row against the Blues.

The remainder of the forward pack remains unchanged, with Caleb Delany and Warner Dearns retained in the second row, while blindside flanker Devan Flanders, co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, and No 8 Peter Lakai make up the loose forward trio.

In the backline, halfback Cam Roigard and first-five Ruben Love continue their halves partnership, as do co-captain Jordie Barrett and centre Billy Proctor in the midfield.

The only other change in the starting side comes in the outside backs, where Callum Harkin returns from a concussion to start at fullback. That pushes Josh Moorby to the right wing, while Fehi Fineangnanofo stays at left wing.

The Heritage Round fixture is scheduled for 7:05pm, with gates open from 5:30pm.

HURRICANES TEAM TO PLAY BLUES (Hurricanes caps in brackets)

1. Xavier Numia (82)
2. Asafo Aumua (81)
3. Pasilio Tosi (43)
4. Caleb Delany (44)
5. Warner Dearns (6)
6. Devan Flanders (62)
7. Du’Plessis Kirifi (97) – co-captain
8. Peter Lakai (42)
9. Cam Roigard (53)
10. Ruben Love (46)
11. Fehi Fineanganofo (18)
12. Jordie Barrett (117) – co-captain
13. Billy Proctor (73)
14. Josh Moorby (44)
15. Callum Harkin (15)
16. Raymond Tuputupu (17)
17. Siale Lauaki (9)
18. Tevita Mafileo (62)
19. Isaia Walker-Leawere (83)
20. Brad Shields (133)
21. Brayden Iose (57)
22. Ereatara Enari (17)
23. Jone Rova (5)

UNAVAILABLE DUE TO INJURY

Tyrel Lomax (ankle): 7 weeks
Hugo Plummer (ankle): 3 weeks
Taine Roiri (hamstring): 4-6 weeks
Matolu Petaia (leg): 2 weeks
Jai Tamati (ankle): 2-4 weeks
Brett Cameron (knee): Expected to miss season
Harry Godfrey (knee): Expected to miss season
Ngane Punivai (hamstring): 2-3 weeks
Bailyn Sullivan (leg): 4-5 weeks
Kini Naholo (foot): 2-3 weeks