Rugby: Brett looking to recapture old self

Stephen Brett. Photo / Getty Images

It was four years ago, playing at Eden Park for the Crusaders against the Blues, that Stephen Brett announced his arrival on the big stage.

Last night, on the same ground, but playing for the Blues against the Crusaders, he was hoping to tap into his 20-year-old former self.

His Super 14 debut reeked of promise. Brett appeared to be yet another miracle off the Canterbury five eighth production line. He set the game alight late in the piece when he disappeared through a hole then planted a perfect chip into the corner for Rico Gear.

Much of the distress the Crusaders felt about losing Dan Carter to the reconditioning window lessened in Auckland that night. Brett had the goods - he was instinctive, natural and prepared to back himself.

He's spent a bit of time thinking about that match in 2007. Ahead of last night's game, it was hard to ignore the symmetry - the Blues were opening the season against the Crusaders at Eden Park in World Cup year just as they did in the last World Cup year.

"There was a lot of pressure on me to fill DC's [Carter's] boots [in 2007]," says Brett. "I was young and inexperienced and I just wanted to try things. Now I have a bit more experience so hopefully I can put what I had in 2007 into play as well.

"I haven't pushed on as much as I wanted to. The goal has always been to be an All Blacks so that is what I am reaching for this year. There are a few bits of my game from 2007 that I need to bring back."

What Brett is striving for is a better mix in his portfolio. In trying to provide the solidity and pragmatism necessary to a world-class first five, he's lost a little of what made him special.

There was a touch of Carlos Spencer about Brett in those early days. He didn't seem encumbered by the pressure of running the game plan. It was seat of the pants stuff, but it worked.

What he might have lacked in navigation and tactical nous, he made up for with his ability to open space with his acceleration and agility.

But in the last four years injuries and lack of game-time have dented his confidence and robbed him of the fitness he needs to back himself. He has signed with Auckland for two seasons - but this could be his last Super Rugby campaign if he can't make any headway up the national pecking order.

He has 'get out' clauses and a 24-year-old first five with five Super Rugby seasons behind him can earn a healthy contract in Europe.

For Brett, it is a case of World Cup or bust, which is why he's been hyper analysing his game to see if history can provide a blueprint to a better future.

"The running game I had back then [2007], I definitely want to bring that back," he says. "I have been working on my speed so hopefully that will help as well. My goal-kicking and tackling have been work-ons and I'm hoping everything will come together and I will have a good season."