'Good to be back': Nehe Milner-Skudder opens up on Hurricanes return
After just one Super Rugby match over the past three seasons, former All Blacks star Nehe Milner-Skudder is eager to make his mark after returning to the Hurricanes last week.
It was reported earlier this month that Milner-Skudder would return to the Hurricanes for the first time since 2019 as a replacement player while the Wellington-based franchise’s All Blacks take time off after a lengthy campaign.
The move back to the Kiwi capital is a homecoming of sorts for the newly-turned 31-year-old, who burst onto the Super Rugby scene as a rookie sensation for the Hurricanes in 2015.
Milner-Skudder starred that year as he played a major role in guiding his side to the 2015 Super Rugby final, before going on to claim World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year following a stunning World Cup-winning campaign with the All Blacks.
Injuries have plagued Milner-Skudder’s career since then, though, with the hot-stepping fan favourite limited to a select few games in recent years.
As such, he has only added five tests to the eight he earned in his stellar debut All Blacks season six years ago, and he didn’t feature at all for the Hurricanes in his final year with the side before an anticipated move to Toulon in 2019.
However, fitness issues prevented his French move from ever eventuating, leading Milner-Skudder to stay in New Zealand and instead join the Highlanders on a two-season deal ahead of last year’s Super Rugby Aotearoa campaign.
During his time in Dunedin, he made just one appearance – ironically against the Hurricanes in Wellington eight months ago – in what was his first professional match since his last All Blacks test against Japan at the end of 2018.
Such injury woes have robbed Milner-Skudder of reproducing the form that made rugby’s hottest property in 2015, but an injury-free run through this year’s NPC as a player-coach for Manawatu has put him in good stead to lay the foundations for a Super Rugby comeback.
That journey began last week when he linked back up with the Hurricanes for a six-week stint to train with the side throughout pre-season in the absence of the franchise’s All Blacks.
Speaking to RugbyPass a day after joining back up with his old team, Milner-Skudder said he harbours hopes that his brief spell with the Hurricanes paves the way for a more permanent role in next season’s inaugural edition of Super Rugby Pacific.
“Definitely motivated, and my ambition is to stay on for as long as I can and obviously get back to playing Super Rugby level,” he told RugbyPass.
Black Ferns head coach Glenn Moore spoken publicly for the first time since allegations were made against him by a key player a fortnight ago. #BlackFerns https://t.co/SY2y6DFD0Z
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) December 20, 2021
“But, at the same time, I don’t want to get too far ahead and just focus on that six-week block, beginning of January, just ripping into that, getting alongside the boys and the management and awesome staff that we’ve got here and just enjoying my time.
“I guess what will be will be after that, but I’d love to kick on and try and stay for as long as possible.”
Called into the training squad by head coach Jason Holland, Milner-Skudder attributed the upcoming birth of his first child next month as a primary reason behind his decision to stay put in Wellington rather than look for opportunities elsewhere.
“We’ve got our first little baby due in four weeks, in the middle of January, so I just put the feelers out,” he said.
“Top priority is to be local-based, Wellington-based, for our pending arrival, and Jason Holland said there was an opportunity to come in as that replacement player while the All Black boys were on leave.
“I’m chomping at the bit to make the most of that six-week block, hopefully get a run in the pre-season games, and see what happens after that.
“I guess there’s no real certainty after that point, but whatever comes will be awesome. I’ve got a little family that’ll definitely keep me occupied.”
The chance to return to the Hurricanes only came after Milner-Skudder wasn’t offered a new deal to play for the Highlanders for a third season.
Not being offered a new contract by the Dunedin-based outfit was perhaps inevitable given Milner-Skudder played just once during his stay there, something of which he admitted was a source of frustration.
However, given the emergence of youngsters such as Jona Nareki, Connor Garden-Bachop and Sam Gilbert, Milner-Skudder was understanding of the reasoning behind his restricted game time.
“I guess every footy player, why they play is so they can actually play, so, yeah, there were a lot of frustrations about just wanting to have more time out on the paddock, but I understood that the outside backs were all killing it,” Milner-Skudder told RugbyPass.
“It was tough to get a spot with that competition. I then just tried to figure out how I could still add value and still contribute to the team as well, whether it was just strategy stuff or off the field and preparing the boys as best as I can.
“As frustrating as it was, it was about figuring out, ‘Okay, certain things are out of my control, what can I focus on and still add value?’”
Nevertheless, Milner-Skudder spoke highly of his time at the Highlanders, even if the Dunedin conditions were chillier than what he is used to.
“I definitely enjoyed it. A great environment, all the lads and coaches were awesome. Dunedin’s a cool city as well. People compare it to Wellington, and I can sort of see those similarities,” he said.
“It’s a lot colder during the winter, but I enjoyed my time down there and took a lot of stuff with me that I picked up down there.”
In saying that, one wonders whether Milner-Skudder’s lack of playing opportunities down south has lit an internal spark for him to push himself back to his best in his second spell with the Hurricanes, however long that may be.
While he is uncertain whether his second stay with the Hurricanes will last longer than its initial six-week period, Milner-Skudder remains upbeat and optimistic about his return to the franchise he won a title with back in 2016.
“I’ve obviously spent a lot of my career here at Rugby League Park in the yellow jumper and I’ve been, in the last couple of days, just getting a little bit of training in before the Christmas break and had catch ups with coaches and all the management,” he told RugbyPass.
“I was a little bit nervous coming back in after being away for a couple of years, but that’s what’s so good about the people here. It’s almost like I’ve never left. Good yarns and good catch ups, so it’s a good feeling. It’s good to be back.”
Comments on RugbyPass
Obscene that SA haven’t been knocking
1 Go to commentsChances of Blackadder being injured seem too high to give him serious consideration. ABs loosie combination finally looked good with 2 committed to tackling and clearing rucks in the centre and Ardie roaming. Hoskins/Ardie together would force one of them into where they don’t excel and don’t get to use their talent, or require a change in tactics. If we continue to evolve last years systems I would take Papali’i and Finau at 6 and 7 (conceding that Blackadder will be injured) and Ardie at 8.
15 Go to commentsArdie’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.
15 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.
15 Go to comments