Rugby: Blues reject Harris turning heads for the Reds

Mike Harris has been impressive for the Reds. Photo / Getty Images

As the search continues for a credible back-up to Dan Carter in the All Black World Cup squad, Blues reject first five-eighth Mike Harris is continuing to build his career with the Queensland Reds.

The former Northcote, North Harbour and New Zealand under-20 No 10 (he played with the likes of Zac Guildford and Israel Dagg) signed with the Reds after it became clear he wasn't in the plans of the Blues this season.

A reliable goalkicker, tactical kicker and a well-built runner who likes to take the ball to the line, Harris also attracted interest across the Tasman because of family connections that means he qualifies for the Wallabies.

While that is still an aside at present - and no one is seriously suggesting Harris would have been a contender in the Carter deputy stakes either - there is equally no doubt that the 22-year-old Harris has taken what chances have come his way this season.

The Reds recovered from a slow start to lead the Australian conference in Super Rugby and Harris has played a key role - scoring two tries in the Reds' 53-3 win over the Rebels last month.

His two tries came in two minutes and he finished the night with a deft kick to set up a try to Luke Morahan - and then converted it from the sideline. He came on as a substitute and played outside Wallaby and Reds playmaker Quade Cooper on that occasion but he has also made a good fist of fullback and goalkicking duties when called upon.

Last weekend, starting at fullback in the 30-25 away win over the Lions, Harris took over the goalkicking duties as an out-of-form Cooper threw him the ball and the points-scoring responsibilities. Six successful goals out of six later, Harris kicked the Reds to a squeaky win.

In the match against the Stormers played overnight, Harris was this time selected to start at second five-eighths - one of several changes coach Ewen McKenzie made to freshen his side against the undefeated Stormers. Defence probably played a role in that selection too. Cooper is notoriously brittle in defence and, with the No 10 channel a potentially profitable one for opposing sides, it's likely that the 1.85m, 98kg Harris took on much of Cooper's defensive duties as well, allowing the mercurial playmaker to focus more on unlocking the Stormers' stubborn defence.

McKenzie said this week that Harris had the opportunity to seal a starting place after showing his class as a utility.

"We've seen glimpses and it's all been very positive," he said from Johannesburg recently. "We're pretty confident with the range of skills he's got. It's a big challenge for him as he's been impressive off the bench and now he'll be straight out there - but he's a very professional operator and I'm sure he'll make the most of the opportunity." Harris' starting role also gives the Reds the added advantage of a long-range goalkicker who can supplement Cooper's goalkicking by landing penalty goal attempts from well beyond half-way at altitude.

It hasn't all been positive though - Harris had some handling lapses against the Lions which the Stormers are sure to have noticed - but there is still room to wonder if the Blues made the right choice.

His former coach and All Black great Jeff Wilson said Harris could yet embarrass his home country and was quoted as saying recently: "Mike is a very combative, very aggressive first five-eighth. In New Zealand we tend to look at ball distributors a little more.

"Sometimes it's about fitting the mould and here in New Zealand he just didn't fit it at the right time."