Cameron McMillan and Christopher Reive speak to Ryan Bridge about the new format of the Super Rugby Competition, Ryan Fox at the PGA and Warriors news. Video / Herald NOW
An inescapable farewell theme hangs in the precarious air for the Blues as they seek to ambush the Chiefs and prolong the careers of four influential figures in their Hamilton quarter-final this weekend.
Bottling the emotions attached to Mark Tele’a, Harry Plummer, Ricky Riccitelli, and Adrian Choat’s final outings forthe Blues at Eden Park last Saturday inspired Vern Cotter’s men to the best performance – their seven-try rout over the limp Waratahs – of their underwhelming season.
Amid a frustrating title defence where nothing has sparked anywhere near the same desire the Blues showcased last season, harnessing the quest to spend another week together could help press the emotive buttons at the right time of year.
While the Chiefs are clearly motivated to send head coach Clayton McMillan off to Munster – and fullback Shaun Stevenson as he prepares to depart to Japan – with a maiden championship, their jeopardy is not the same as they are guaranteed to progress to host a home semifinal next week by virtue of earning a second life after topping the regular season.
For the Blues, after scraping into sixth, it’s a case of win or wave goodbye to their valued quartet – and Rieko Ioane for his one-season stint with Irish powerhouse Leinster.
After progressing from humble West Auckland roots to make his mark on the world stage with the All Blacks, Tele’a offers an insight into his hunger to extend his closing Blues chapter.
“For me and a lot of the other boys that are leaving every training, every meeting, we’re savouring what we have left,” Tele’a said. “This is the last season we’ll have together as teammates, so you want to enjoy each moment. As sad as that is, that’s the journey we’re all on as players.
“This club has done a lot for me. I can only be grateful for the opportunities they’ve given me. I’ve been there for six years. That hasn’t all been easy – you go through the highs and the lows. You meet a lot of different faces and coaches but the boys that have stayed throughout that time, I have strong relationships with. It feels like a family. We’ve built that over the last few years.”
Mark Tele’a scores against the Chiefs. Photo / Photosport
Tele’a worked hard to evolve his game at the Blues to rise through the ranks and command a place as the incumbent All Blacks wing alongside Caleb Clarke.
With a large family and extended siblings to consider, the 28-year-old Tele’a explains why he has committed his future to a lucrative three-year contract in Japan with Toyota Verblitz.
“I know it’s the best decision for myself and my family financially. I feel like right now is the best time for me to head over and set my family up. I know our career is not massive in rugby, and you want to use your time wisely.”
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson is expected to invest in other outside back contenders this year but Tele’a remains hopeful of adding to his 19 tests.
“I’m still here until the end of the year. I’ve still got my All Blacks obligations. I’ll do what I can for the jerseys I represent. That’s the main focus, this weekend with the Blues, and if the All Blacks comes into line, then I’ll definitely stand up to that.
“I understand the decision is not an easy one, knowing that I’m leaving but if they select me, they select me, and if they don’t they don’t. I’ve had conversations with the coaches so I’m in a good space with them and I’m grateful for whatever decision they make.”
The Blues start as rank outsiders to defeat the Chiefs on Saturday but recent history strongly suggests this match will be tight and tense.
In their last venture to Hamilton three months ago the Blues lost by one point after a 76th-minute conversion attempt from rookie 20-year-old second five-eighths Xavier Taele hit the post.
After that match, a member of the Chiefs medical team was fined for kicking the ball away and interfering with the allotted time for conversion attempts from Plummer to further stoke the neighbourly rivalry.
“That’s the New Zealand derbies, the ones you want to watch. Anything can happen,” Tele’a said. “Unfortunately we lost by one point. Come Saturday, it will be exciting again. Both teams want to play for a title.
“This season has come with its highs and lows but we’re here now in the playoffs. For us, we’re grateful for another Monday and not a mad Monday. We’re still at work together. We understand we’re in a position where we can set the season right in a good way.”
From Stevenson’s playmaking prowess to Tupou Vaa’i and Samisoni Taukei’aho’s power up front and the depth of their bench, the Chiefs have been the best team all season.
McMillan will have his squad mentally steeled for the Blues’ arrival but if there’s an area the Blues could exploit, it’s the midfield where Quinn Tupaea and Anton Lienert-Brown are notable absences.
A largely bumbling campaign leaves the Blues with the hardest road to defend last year’s breakthrough title.
One performance, one victory, though, would change the complexion of the Blues year – and extend the farewells of several faithful servants.
