Rugby: Luatua out to rebuild career

Steven Luatua is trying to nail the No 6 role with the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

Versatile forward says he’s over his slump and is aiming to be a starter for the Blues

This is shaping up as a pivotal year for Steven Luatua.

After what could best be described as a breakthrough 2013 season, the 23-year-old Blues loose forward-cum-lock found the going much tougher in 2014. Marginalised by the All Blacks, he appeared on just three occasions for them, though he did cap a fine night off the bench by scoring the final try in the 51-20 shellacking of the Wallabies at Eden Park. But the resurgent re-entry into New Zealand rugby of his franchise captain Jerome Kaino proved detrimental to Luatua, and he freely admits he did not make the progress he would have liked.

"It was very challenging. I think I definitely either took a step back or stayed in the same position and guys kept going past me. There were a lot of learnings which came from 2014. That was the good thing that came out of it. I can say I've had my slump year. If I come across that situation again, I can draw on those experiences and hopefully pull myself in the right direction a lot sooner than last year," he said.

One of those lowlights included being dropped to the bench by the Blues, even though he was their prime lineout ball-winner. Luatua's skill is not in question, but his level of physicality and work-rate were coming under the microscope. He didn't possess Liam Messam's energy nor Kaino's muscularity.

His skewed clearance kick for Auckland against Tasman was embarrassing, but he made up for it with a try. The balance of the season was played out holding the hit shields at All Blacks training.

But then, as if the shackles had been cut adrift, he played a starring role for the UK Barbarians in their entertaining defeat to the Wallabies. John Kirwan was coach and Luatua's long gridiron pass from a lineout nearly paid off. Luatua had acquitted himself well for the Barbarians 12 months earlier too against Fiji.

"It was great seeing JK in a different light. He only had a week, so he let the boys enjoy themselves. We practised that gridiron throw and a chip kick from a quick tap."

Might we see some similar moves with the Blues?

"I don't want to give too much away, but we are working on some moves, probably not me throwing as such because if I line it up, everyone will definitely know it's going to be an overthrow," Luatua said. They will now.

He stayed on for a week with the All Blacks, along with Dominic Bird and Matt Todd. Colin Slade had already won a call-up, and Bird was also promoted. But it showed that Luatua was still very much in the All Blacks' plans. And with his priceless ability to cover No 8, No 6 and the second-row, Luatua is always an appealing squad proposition, which will help his Rugby World Cup aspirations. Adding to his 14 tests is a goal, but not an immediate one.

"I'm trying to nail that No 6 role with the Blues, but Joe Edwards has been in great pre-season form, and Jerome is in the mix at No 8."

A Blues 8-7-6 loose trio of Kaino, Luke Braid and Luatua looks as solid and balanced as any in the competition.

"It's similar to my role with the All Blacks. If I can get minutes late in the game, that can be a string I can add to that bow. But first thing's first, I need to do it for the Blues."

Early indications are promising. Luatua looked fit and damaging with the ball in hand during the Blues' internal trial last Friday.

Dream team:

Get bragging rights over your mates with three Dream Team Super Rugby Games in 2015: Super Rugby Tipping, Fantasy Super Rugby and a chance to win a $50,000 top prize in our brand new game Super Rugby Streak