Editorial: Turned off by Blues

Dan Pryor of the Highlanders is tackeld by Ihaia West of the Blues during the round 18 Super Rugby match between the Blues and the Highlanders at Eden Park.

Like many people I suspect, I lost patience with the Auckland Blues.

The franchise's inability to talent spot players from partners within its own catchment, the horrendous losing streak, the lack of Northlanders in the team, the bickering board, the John Kirwan saga - I will openly admit I am a fair-weather fan.

This season, I tuned in for a few Blues games and then dropped out.

But I have started watching again in the past month.

I like the way the Highlanders play but it was Northland player Dan Pryor's presence that turned me into a fan. A simple connection - a Northland fan watching a Northland player. I hope Northland rugby has Pryor's signature beyond 2015, as Otago would surely want him in their ITM Cup mix as well as the Super set-up.

So on Saturday, when Pryor's left arm hung limply by his side, his right arm clutching the useless limb, I felt for the guy. Able to play 6, 7 and 8, who knows whether he was in the selectors' minds for the extended All Black squad named on Sunday.

Pryor took a hit, standing on the edge of the ruck, and immediately clutched the dislocated arm. Reflexively bent at the waist, instinctively, he followed the play as the Chiefs bludgeoned their way slowly to the line and scored. His rugby brain would have been saying "defend", yet he knew he couldn't, rendered useless by his injury. Thankfully, no one ran at him, a game-ending injury could have been worsened considerably.

It was a harsh end to his season, Pryor won't be on the field when his teammates try to go one step further and win a semifinal.

I'll be watching though, Pryor's presence has made me a Highlanders fan, for 2015 anyway.

It's a simple connection - one the Blues have been unable to make.

There are several Northlanders running around the Super 15 but not for the Blues. Here's hoping for 2016 though.