This could be the year Stephen Perofeta makes his mark.
Such a statement might sound odd for someone who has already played six tests – the last of which was in 2024 – but eight months on the sideline has cast Perofeta as something of a forgotten talent.
Two years ago, when Scott Robertson’s All Blacks reign began, Perofeta started against England at fullback. He seized that rare chance, too, with one memorable jink and long-ball try assist for Ardie Savea in the All Blacks’ one-point escape in Dunedin.
After that England series, though, Perofeta’s career largely stalled. He managed two starts for the Blues last year before chronic calf and knee niggles consigned him to the sideline. He then missed Auckland’s entire NPC season – and hadn’t played since last May before returning in two preseason fixtures for the Blues.
With those troubles seemingly behind him, the silky playmaker starts this season in his favoured No 10 jersey as the Blues open their campaign against the Chiefs at Eden Park tonight.
And with Beauden Barrett not due back from his All Blacks rest until round four, Perofeta can stake an early claim to maintain the backline director duties for the season.
“It was very challenging. A lot of emotions and mental battles I went through around would I ever be back fit enough to play,” Perofeta said of his injury battles this week.
“I wasn’t doing what I’m paid to do and what I love to do. Looking back, there were some tough times. I was very grateful and blessed to have good support around me from my family, partner, the boys in here, my faith and the medical team.
“I ended up sitting out the provincial season so I could be ready to go for Super this season. The body has made the gains, improvements, strengthening it needed to be ready. Now I’ve banked a preseason, the mind and body are aligned and in a good place where I can play freely and enjoy footy again. I feel like both cylinders are firing.”
Perofeta made a tentative return in the first preseason outing against the Hurricanes but now feels ready to release the shackles and run the cutter with a clear mind.
“The first game back was a massive sigh of relief. I walked off the field and sat on the bench to reflect on the last year and the journey it was.
“Last week against the Crusaders was a chance for me to have a crack and know my body is ready. There’s no second-guessing or doubting my body. Those were put to bed. Playing those two preseasons has boosted my confidence.
“I’ve really enjoyed Vern [Cotter]’s coaching and how he’s putting it on us players to drive the game and know what we want to do. That’s put responsibility on myself and those around me. There’s a lot of ownership I’m taking on board to give the team what they need.”
At 28 years old, Perofeta should be maturing into his prime as a playmaker. He’s at the age and stage where his future comes into sharp focus, too.
Whether he stays in New Zealand rugby beyond this year or opts to cash in offshore, guiding the Blues deep into this season will enhance his value.
The past two years under Cotter, the Blues’ style has centred on forward-dominated physicality – a direct, confrontational approach that often limits ball movement and opportunities for the backline.
Perofeta hinted, though, that that could evolve this season, suggesting there is ample room for him to showcase his natural flair, footwork, creative passing game and penchant for challenging the line.
After a tight semi-final defeat to the Crusaders in Christchurch last year, the Blues are harnessing a largely settled squad, with Mark Tele’a, Rieko Ioane and Adrian Choat their main outs.
“Our big measure of our game is around the collisions and how we get momentum, but there is a good balance between that and having a crack. When we get that momentum this year, we’ve certainly got the licence to express ourselves in the width.
“The team is in a good position. Last year was a slow start. This preseason, our key themes have been around what we needed to ensure we started well – our connections and our work ethic. We got that, and now the full squad is back, the All Blacks have brought the next level of intensity.”
From an All Blacks perspective, it could be now or never for Perofeta to make his move. Barrett and McKenzie are established test figures. Richie Mo’unga is back mid-year. Ruben Love will gain increased exposure from first-five with the Hurricanes this season, and Josh Jacomb, who starts for the Chiefs in McKenzie’s absence this weekend, is knocking on the door.
Perofeta possesses the skills and temperament to push for an All Blacks recall, but after such an extended absence, for now he’s intent on savouring his comeback.
“That’s at the back of my mind. Every training I come out there, I’m grateful to be out there again. I appreciate it a lot more. My sole focus is being the best I can here at the Blues.
“I’m going to take a moment to soak it all in this weekend, but then I’ll be at ease to play freely.”
A free and healthy Perofeta could well ignite the Blues – and stake his claim to maintain the No 10 jersey.
Liam Napier is a senior sports journalist and rugby correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast.
Blues v Chiefs, 7.05pm, Eden Park
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