The Blues can't start 2015 with ambiguity about their preferred options at No 10. It can't be, as it was this year, another merry-go-round with names seemingly drawn out of a hat. When the Blues had momentum last year, they had consistency of selection at No 10: Noakes was backed, Noakes delivered.
The questions for next season are:
Do the Blues contract one of Hickey or West and keep Noakes and Kerr to mentor the younger man?
Can they find room for Hickey and West and discard Noakes or Kerr?
Do they ditch both Noakes and Kerr and go with just the two youngsters?
Do they go to the market, buy an established 'star' No 10, build the team around him and retain just Hickey, who will be slowly groomed to take over?
The Options
Simon Hickey
Composed, talented and well-equipped, Hickey's potential has been recognised with his elevation to the captaincy of the New Zealand under-20 side. His lack of size and defensive frailty is a concern, but Aaron Cruden has shown that little 10s can thrive. Hickey maybe lacks a 'wow' factor but definitely has a future in professional rugby.
Ihaia West
Similar to Lima Sopoaga in that his big weapon is the elusiveness of his running game. Sees space and backs himself but, much like Sopoaga at the same age, doesn't necessarily have the game management or kicking skills to be consistent at the top level. But Sopoaga has improved dramatically with age and so too might West.
Chris Noakes
Tidy, experienced and safe - Noakes, when he's fit and playing regularly, can steer the Blues around the field. He can bring those with more gifts than him into the contest. But he's another with defensive frailties and it has to be asked whether he brings enough to merit a place in a franchise that has title ambitions.
Baden Kerr
He remains an unknown quantity at this level. Has quietly impressed with Counties Manukau in the past two seasons but hasn't seen enough game time with the Blues for anyone to be sure about his value. His intelligence, maturity and work ethic are all factors to keep the Blues interested.
Tom Taylor
Ranked No 4 by the All Blacks, Taylor has potential to be a world class first-five. But is No 10 his preferred position? Does he want to specialise there or continue as a utility back who can cover 10, 12, 13 and 15? If it's the latter, then he'd be best advised to stay with the Crusaders. If it's the former, he has a big call to make - it's understood he's off contract this year. Dan Carter will be back in 2015 and Colin Slade is playing well. The prospect of Taylor playing much, if at all, at No 10 for the Crusaders is slim. He'd be perfect for the Blues: young, reliable, skilled and supremely composed. But does he want the challenge? Would he be willing to move to Auckland?
Tyler Bleyendaal
His future at the Crusaders is uncertain. With Carter coming back, Slade in form and Taylor in the mix, young Bleyendaal can't be sure when he might get on the field for the Crusaders. It might be that the Crusaders can't find a way to retain him next year anyway, as he is a specialist 10 not offering much in the way of versatility. If he comes on the market, the question for the Blues is whether Bleyendaal is better than their current options. It would be a stretch to sell Bleyendaal to home fans as a 'star' signing.
