The Empire Strikes Back

Whilst it is true that I don`t that i don`t follow Super rugby or ITM/NPC except at the level of reading news papers or/Planet Rugby and catch the odd match.It is important when it affects the test arena,it gives me heart to hear Tony Brown talking of developing talent locally in Otago.The home of the legendary Vics Jr and Sr.,that Canterbury had a good win with Tyler Bleyendahl a for gotten man had a blinder.That Tom Taylor was at 12 and Robbie Fruen at 13,further that Bleyen dahl has re-signed with the Crusaders.Also read that much of the Blues problems was down to cost cutting that this will be corrected and Sir graham Henry was joining John Kirwan there.Getting them back to a competetive side can only be good for All Black Rugby.Finally thought I read some where that a draft system of a pool of players not signed to a Super franchise .Could be drafted in say the Blues had 4-10`s the Highlanders none then they could transfer to the Highlanders does this still happen?

Alan, I'll respond to your thoughts.

1. Agree re Tony Brown. It's great he's taking on a problem child in Otago and they're going back to basics. What you might not know is that a lot of Otago's fairly recent success (early 90's to early 00's) was down to Otago Uni being the destination of choice for many youngsters. They gathered a great side from other parts of the country out of fortune more than anything. Think about some of their players, Marc Ellis (Wellington), Jamie Joseph (Marlborough), Stu Forster (Hawkes Bay), John Leslie (Wellington), Kees Meeuws (Thames Valley/Auckland) they all went to Otago for an education and probably rugby too. Since the advent of professionalism, players tend to be picked up earlier by their provinces so negating the need to travel - any who want to study tend to do it at the local Uni rather than travelling now. Otago are taking the right approach I think, building an organic team which can connect with the local supporters. It might take a while to get results but it's the right track. SImply, they can't afford to be buying in players anyway

2. Bleyendaal is a funny one. He'll be either 2/3 choice for the Crusaders and has had about 3 years now to make an impact (albeit with limited opportunities) at the Crusaders. He's signed with them which to me makes him look like he's got zero ambition to be anything other than a backup to Carter. Slade left to get out of the shadow, either Taylor or Bleyendaal need to too. Personally, I don't think he'll be an All Black.

3. The Blues problems are so ingrained they aren't going to be solved in the next 12 mths. They have THE hotbed of world rugby talent but they are failing to harness it in the face of League and the rugby world in general. Kirwan needs to make a mark and install a good structure to make sure the cream rises to the top. Agree can only be a good thing for NZ rugby (something I have said before but others like Kia disagree on that point)

4. The days of the draft aren't quite over. Basically, the franchises do their own recruiting and anyone left over is fair game until each squad is filled. Players will invariably go where there are opportunities to play (Slade for example)

Bleyendaal was the star of under 20 side,but it was a year before he graduated
from ITM to Super Rugby.He performed well early season for the Crusaders then Taylor took over.How many players of the Crusaders been instrumental in getting a handful of caps.NO 10 was going to replace Carter whereever they were ditto McCaw.It was just a case of bench warming much as Englands Martin Johnson.Richard Hill,or Jonny wilkinson replacements.IF they were fit automatic starts same applied in SA with Botha,Matfield,Burger or Juan Smith.Colin Slade,Stephen Brett,Matt Berquist,Stephen Donald,Aron Crudon all go 10`s but none would replace a fit DC even now.

That's not my point Alan. Although you could argue a serious case for Aaron Cruden being as good as Carter nowadays.

My point is Bleyendahl had the future in front of him after that U 20's WC. He came back to the Crusaders to learn under DC but in that time there's also been Berquist, Slade and now Tom Taylor as cover too. So what role does Tyler see himself delivering for the Crusaders? At best it's riding the pine, at worst it is filling the water bottles and being a non travelling reserve.

There are effectively 5 spots in NZ for flyhalfs (ie the starting spot at each franchise) There are two without nailed on incumbents (Otago and Auckland) and if he had any ambition, he'd move away. Anyone can see Taylor has overtaken him so why settle for 3rd place? If he has any ounce of talent and ambition, he needs to move away.

Does George Lucas know you're using this title?

Of Course he got it from ME,Iwas first!!!!