Rugby: Fresh challenges await last year's star

Patrick Tuipulotu (right) has been working on his training during the New Year break. Photo / Getty Images

After surging from Blues’ fringe into the All Blacks, Tuipulotu feels crosshairs on him.

This time last year, an outstanding pre-season campaign set up Patrick Tuipulotu for inclusion in the All Blacks after only a handful of games for the Blues.

The challenge for the bruising lock now is to build on his breakout year, facing high expectations and knowing his opponents will be keeping a much closer eye on him.

"I've heard a lot about the second-year syndrome," he said. "I think it will be harder because a lot of players are aware of me now - last year I was the new kid on the block. More people will be targeting me and trying to shut me down, but it's a challenge and I'm looking forward to it."

Tuipulotu, who turned 22 last month, was on the periphery at the Blues at the start of last season - his fitness and form in pre-season one encouraging aspect for coach John Kirwan after a knee injury to Culum Retallick ruled him out for the year.

Tom Donnelly assumed the leading role, but it was rookie Tuipulotu who outshone them all.

His performance against the Waratahs at Eden Park in which the youngster dominated giant Wallaby Will Skelton in the victory over the eventual champions suggested he had a big future and he was included in the All Blacks' squad for the England tests in June.

Tuipulotu played seven tests last year. He started in only one - the romp over the United States in Chicago - but his impact as a substitute, particularly in the difficult encounters against England and Wales on the end of year tour, was encouraging for coach Steve Hansen.

His aims this year are simple: "To carry on. I want to play well for the Blues and hear my name called out for the World Cup squad, [but] I have to play week-in, week-out and stay consistent."

To that end he had a quiet break over New Year, preferring to stay home with family and train rather the run the risk of too many "blowouts".

"It takes a lot to get fit, but once I'm there it's easier to maintain it. I wanted to keep ticking away to stay fit and I think I did that well. We'll see in the first game how the match fitness is."

Under the All Blacks' coaches' orders, Tuipulotu won't play until the Blues' second game of the season, against the Stormers in Cape Town, bypassing the opener against the Chiefs a week on Friday.

He said he had learned a great deal during his time at the top level.

"There's a lot more to it than just training and playing. There's a real mental aspect. There's a lot of edge in what the All Blacks do off the field. So I've learned a lot about that and I'll try to take that to the Blues."

Tuipulotu will contest one of the two Blues locking spots with Retallick, Hayden Triggs, and former Highlander Josh Bekhuis.

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