Augustine Pulu is exactly what the Blues need right now
Augustine Pulu’s return to Super Rugby could not come at a better time.
The Blues captain has been out of action for the last seven weeks after suffering a foot injury against the Chiefs in round three.
It can’t be stressed enough how much the Blues – desperate for inspiration – need this man back in their side.
He was instrumental in his last appearance and really showed his worth in a near-perfect performance against the Chiefs.
He was dangerous from the base of the ruck as a constant running threat and accurate as a passer and signal caller, giving the Blues a dimension to their attack that they simply haven’t had since he’s been out. Also stellar on defence, Pulu converted on all five of his tackle attempts and finishing the game tied for the most tackles made by a Blues back despite limping off after 65 minutes.
Not only did Pulu make his tackles, he absolutely punished the Chiefs. Listed at 6’2”, Pulu is a big, strong halfback and he used his physicality to outmuscle his opposite and fellow All Blacks contender Brad Weber on several occasions. He also hammered Damian McKenzie in cover twice to force an error or stop a line break dead. And he was in no way picking on the smaller guys, he made a heroic goal-line tackle on Chiefs No. 8 Taleni Seu, who has about 20 kilos on him.
The Blues need his leadership and hard-nosed effort on defence if they are going to stop their bleeding and start trending upwards. They have surrendered 268 points this season, the fifth worst in the competition, despite having played one less game than three of the bottom five teams. Pulu’s effort and brave tackling should aid in that department.
It’s no secret that Pulu offers so much more than any other halfback on the Blues roster. In the 65 minutes he played against the Chiefs in his last appearance, Pulu arguably outperformed both Jonathan Ruru and Sam Nock’s combined body of work over the entire season so far.
In 65 minutes Pulu ran for 24 metres with ball in hand, scored a try in an unbelievable show of strength, set another try up and made two line breaks.
Over the course of the season Ruru and Nock have played in seven and six games respectively. Between them the pair have one line break, one try assist and seven tackle busts, three more than Pulu had against the Chiefs and one more than he has had in his two appearances this season.
How Pulu impacts the game upon his return could be the catalyst that starts pushing the Blues in the right direction, and a return to top form could see an All Black recall in the near future as he tries to steady Tana Umaga’s metaphorical ship that has come extremely close to sinking in his absence.
The Blues – who have just two wins to their name this season – will play at home three times over the next four weeks, presenting the 28-year-old with a fantastic opportunity to step up as the leader of a struggling franchise in desperate need of his help.
The two-test All Black will come off the bench against the Jaguares on Saturday night, where he will hopefully provide a much-needed boost against an in-form side travelling to New Zealand for the first time since 2016. Next week the Blues travel to Sydney to take on the Australian Conference-leading Waratahs – who will be fresh from a bye and have only lost once this season – before hosting incredibly tough back-to-back derbies against the Hurricanes and Crusaders.
With Pulu in the side the Blues have looked considerably more competitive, pushing the Highlanders in week two and nearly stealing victory against the Chiefs in week three. If Pulu can outplay his Kiwi compatriots over the next four weeks and – combined with the potential return of Sonny Bill Williams in the near future – lead the Blues to at least three wins from their next four games by knocking off the Jaguares, Rebels and one of the New Zealand teams, he may just trigger an end-of-season turnaround and will be tough for selectors to ignore heading into his side’s final bye week.
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Comments on RugbyPass
Ardie’s preferred position 7? Where do they get these writers from? I've no idea where he's playing in Japan, but the previous two seasons he wore the 7 jersey exactly twice.
17 Go to commentsNot good to hear Ulster described as “financially troubled”. Did not think it was getting to that level. I would hope the Irish system of spreading players of talent away from Leinster would kick in now. Better to have a Leinster fringe player with Ulster or Connacht, then getting only a few games a season in Dublin. 10, for example, would seem to be a case for spreading the talent. I would not be at all adverse to a SA man coming in as head coach/DR. Ludeke is worth trying. Certainly got a long and impressive coaching career at this level…..149 games in SR, then Japan, 30 years experience. And Ulster’s ledger of successful SA coaches and players is on the positive side. Is talk of Ruan Pienaar interested in coming back as a coach…..could be a good combination with Ludeke. And Pienaar and family would have no settling in to do, one would judge. He loved life in Ulster when there, by all reports.
1 Go to commentsSome thoughts to consider here, Sam. Thanks
2 Go to commentsI think he is right, SBW is respected in RSA. The guy who never stood up is a worm. Sseems lots of NZ SBW hate, you do the crime do the time.
11 Go to commentsAfter missing the curfew, the player was simply too “Shagged” to stand up.
11 Go to commentsVernier is probably the best 12 in the world though she has some English competition these days . I am nervous for England because it is unpredictable France and who knows which team will turn up, but they have not yet shown anything that should worry England, Saturday could be a different day. I would be more confident against the BFs.
1 Go to commentsWhat a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
11 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
2 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
11 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
11 Go to comments