How would a move to rugby union by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck impact the All Blacks and Blues?
If reports that rugby league star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is on his way to rugby union with an eye on an All Blacks jersey at the 2023 World Cup are to be believed, the implications of such a move would be significant in the fifteen-man code.
According to both the New Zealand Herald and Daily Telegraph, negotiations could be finalised within a week to bring the 27-year-old to union next year following a stellar 10 seasons in the NRL.
This isn’t the first time Tuivasa-Sheck has been linked with a move away from league.
The Warriors captain has been the subject of plenty of cross-code speculation in recent years, with his name regularly linked to New Zealand Rugby [NZR] and the Blues.
Tuivasa-Sheck has previously spoken of how he has considered transferring back to the sport he once represented New Zealand in at schoolboy level.
It was in the 2011 New Zealand Schools team where he was teammates with future All Blacks Ardie Savea, Ngani Laumape and Patrick Tuipulotu, and, if the fresh reports are true, he may well be lining up with that trio in test rugby in the coming years.
That is a big maybe, though.
There is no denying the mercurial talents that Tuivasa-Sheck, an NRL Premiership winner with the Roosters in 2013 and a Dally M Medallist in 2018, possesses.
Renowned as one of the best and most exciting athletes in rugby league, his pure athleticism alone would be a valued asset to any rugby union side.
That is before you take into account the professionalism and leadership he put on show during the Warriors’ season-long stay in Australia last year.
Then weigh in his international schoolboy history in union, albeit from a decade ago, and Tuivasa-Sheck could mount a serious challenge for a place in the 2023 World Cup squad.
Despite all his obvious talents, however, Tuivasa-Sheck cannot be expected to waltz into the All Blacks in this current World Cup cycle.
It's a report that crops up every year, but it looks like a move for one of the NRL's most exciting players is finally on the cards. #AllBlacks #SuperRugbyhttps://t.co/MQplhdaacR
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) January 28, 2021
Not when two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett has been a regular fixture at fullback, the position Tuivasa-Sheck plays in rugby league and would likely play in union, since midway through 2019.
Not when Crusaders starlet Will Jordan is beginning to emerge as one of the brightest young prospects in this corner of the globe.
Not when Jordie Barrett is dominating in Super Rugby and still has unrealised potential at test level, not when Damian McKenzie is still running amuck and not when David Havili, as good as he is, is the fifth-choice fullback behind the aforementioned names.
That is a serious logjam of talent that Tuivasa-Sheck, who is also eligible for Samoa, would have to surpass in two Super Rugby campaigns if he is to be considered for 2023.
In that time, he would have to acquaint himself with the differing nuances that come with the fullback role in union, especially with the dual playmaking scheme in fashion across New Zealand.
It may be that Tuivasa-Sheck flourishes in the No. 15 jersey, which naturally has its similarities with league’s No. 1 role.
But, given the increasing responsibilities that come with the fullback position in union, being reintroduced to the sport from the wing at Super Rugby level might be a more viable option for the 20-test Kiwi.
Unless one of the other four New Zealand Super Rugby sides pull off a massive coup in steering Tuivasa-Sheck in their direction, the Blues stand as extreme favourites to secure his services.
Aside from his birth in Apia and his stint in Sydney with the Roosters, Tuivasa-Sheck has spent the majority of his life in Auckland, where he has two children under the age of five with his partner.
Having spent the whole 2020 NRL season away from his young family as the Warriors duked it out in Australia, it wouldn’t surprise if Tuivasa-Sheck makes the decision to join the Blues purely so he can stay put in these uncertain COVID-19 times.
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The added history of having played for the Blues at U18 level while still at Otahuhu College might strengthen the franchise’s ploy for Tuivasa-Sheck, but how that shapes the dynamic of their backline will hold plenty of intrigue.
Regardless of whether he is at fullback or on the wing, there will be implications for both the stars and young guns in the backline of the three-time title-winning franchise.
A permanent shift back to first five for Beauden Barrett would be in order should Tuivasa-Sheck take the fullback spot, but the move would come at a cost.
Experienced playmaker Otere Black was the first-choice No. 10 for the Blues throughout most of last year, with Barrett and Stephen Perofeta, who is equally adept at fullback, the only other starters in that position.
Black, Perofeta and young pivot Harry Plummer are all gunning for a place in the franchise’s starting lineup, but those aspirations would take a hefty hit if Barrett is forced back into first five by Tuivasa-Sheck’s arrival.
That could spur the trio to look elsewhere for playing time, while rookie fullback Zarn Sullivan, who has lofty potential after coming through the ranks as a first five, would also have to weigh up his options if Tuivasa-Sheck is preferred at No. 15.
Should Tuivasa-Sheck instead be eased back into union from the wing, he could make up one half of a dynamite wing combination with powerhouse All Blacks star Caleb Clarke.
However, after shining as one of the top rookies for the Blues last year, Mark Telea’s game time would be slashed if he was usurped in the No. 14 jersey.
The 24-year-old is already facing stern competition from highly-touted youngster Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, powerful rookie AJ Lam and exciting duo Emoni Narawa and Jone Macilai-Tori for a place in the starting team.
Tuivasa-Sheck’s arrival would only increase that challenge, which, again, may force any one of Telea, Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Lam, Narawa and Macilai-Tori, who is the oldest lot at the age of 30, to look for greener pastures.
Nevertheless, acquiring a player as rich in talent and as reputable as Tuivasa-Sheck is a prospect that does not come often, so you can bet your bottom dollar the Blues, and NZR, will make the necessary sacrifices in order for him to make the switch.
Comments on RugbyPass
You doing the same thing I disliked about the example of Samisoni Taukei'aho, Nick. He’s great the way he is, you’re trying to do what modern-day coaches frustrate me doing, turning everyone into the perfect athlete. Next thing you’ll be telling me you’ll bench him until he’s hit that arbitrary marker, and can’t overtake the current guy who’s doing all his workons. He’s a young Kieran Read, through and through, plays wide and has threat, mainly (and evident in your clips) through his two hand carry and speed. Just let him work on that, or whatever he wants, and determine his own future. Play God and you risk the players going sideways, like Read did, instead of being a Toutai Kefu. I mean I was in the same camp for a while, wanting our tight five to have the size, and carry ability, as the teams they were getting beat by. Now I’m starting to believe those teams just have better skilled and practiced individuals, bigger by upwards of 5kg sometimes, sure, but more influentially they have those intrinsic skills of trust and awareness. Basically our guys just didn’t know wtf they were doing. Don’t think I’m trying to prove a point here but hasn’t Caleb Clarke been in much better form this year, or does he just ‘look’ better now that he’s not always trying to use his size?
43 Go to commentsThe pack lacks a little in height for the line out and I wouldn’t be completely convinced by some of the combinations till we see it in action.
5 Go to commentsThe side is good but lacks experience. International playing bona fides udually trumps super rugby form for good reason. And incumbents are usually stuck with. Codie Taylor should start or come off the bench. B Barrett will start at fullback. Blackadder has not earned the position, Finau has. TJs experience and competitiveness earns him a starting role, Christie or Ratima off the bench
5 Go to commentsPretty good side. Scott Barrett should be the captain. Ethan Blackadder a great choice at blindside. He is going to go from strength to strength having made a couple of starts for the Crusaders. Scott Robertson rates him highly. Perenara could start a no 9.
5 Go to commentsI question and with respect. Was enough done over the last few years to bring through new blood knowing the Whitelocks and co couldn’t last forever. There should have been more done to future proof the team. New squad new coach, he and they weren’t set up well. IMO
6 Go to commentsJacobsen will definitely be in the 23
5 Go to commentsLots of discussion points, Ben, but two glaring follies IMO: 1. Blackadder at 6. Has done nothing so far this season to justify his selection. Did you see him going backwards in contact at the weekend? Simply has not got the physical presence at 6: we need a Scott Barrett or a Finau (or wildcard Ah Kuoi), beasts who are big enough to play lock, like Frizzell. If Barret played at 6, Paddy could be joined at lock by Vai’i or one of the young giants we need to promote, like Darry or Lord (if he ever gets on the field). Blackadder best left to join the queue for 7. 2. Not even a mention for Christie? Ratima gets caught at crucial times at the back of the ruck when he hesitates on the pass. The only way he starts would be if Christie and TJ are injured.
5 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to commentsRegroup come back next year but sack some of the coaching team and don't be like the ABs last minute sacking. If Crusaders don't do well ABs don't do well.
5 Go to commentsProctor Definitely inform again this year had a hell of a season last year and this year is looking even better. Still mixed feelings about Ioane tho.
4 Go to commentsDagg is still trying to get enough headlines to make himself relevant enough to get a job. The Crusaders went back to square one at all levels. Shelve this season and nail the next one.
6 Go to commentsHe was in such great form. Sad for him but only a short term injury and it will be great to see him back for the finals.
1 Go to commentsAfter their 5/0 start, I had the Crusaders to finish Top 4 only…they lost the plot in Perth but will reload and back themselves vs 4th placed Rebels…
5 Go to commentsBoth nations missed a great opportunity to book a game that would have had a lot of interest from around the world. I understand these games can’t be organised in 5 minutes but they should have found a way to make it happen. I don’t think Wales are ducking anyone but it’s a bad look haha.
3 Go to commentsIt will be fascinating to see the effect that Jo Yapp has. If they can compete with Canada and give BFs a run for their money that will be progress
1 Go to commentsFollowing his dream and putting in the work. Go well young fella!
3 Go to commentsPerhaps filling Twickenham is one of Mitchell’s KPIs. I doubt whether both September matches will be at Twickenham on consecutive weekends. I would take the BF one to a large provincial stadium so as not to give them the advantage and experience of playing at Twickenham before a large crowd prior to the RWC.
3 Go to commentsvery unfortunate for Kitshoff, but big opportunity potentially for Nché to prove he is genuinely the best loosehead in the world, rather than just a specialist finisher. Presuming that if Kitshoff is out, it will also give Steenekamp a chance to come into the 23? Or are others likely to be ahead of him?
1 Go to commentsA long held question in popular culture asks if art imitates life or does the latter influence the former? Over this 6 nations I can ask the same question of the media influencing the thoughts of its audience or vice versa. Nobody wants to see cricket scores in rugby, as a spectacle it is not sustainable. With so many articles about England’s procession and lack of competition it feeds the epicaricacy of many looking for an opportunity to pounce. England are not the first team to dominate nor does it happen only in rugby, think Federer, Nadal, Red Bull or Mercedes, Manchester Utd, Australia in tests and World Cups. Instead of celebrating the achievements why find reasons to falsify it pointing towards larger playing pool, professional for a longer period or mitigate with the lack of growth in other nations. Can we not enjoy it while it is here and know that it won’t last for ever, others coveting what England have will soon take the crown, ask the aforementioned?
6 Go to commentsShame he won’t turn out for the Netherlands now they’re improving. U20s are Euro champs and in the U20 Trophy this year. The senior sides gets better every year too.
3 Go to comments