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Super Rugby stars reveal interest in soon-to-be-arriving Roger Tuivasa-Sheck
A pair of Kiwi rugby players as well as a coach have sounded out their excitement over the news of Roger Tuivasa-Sheck’s move to rugby.
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Tuivasa-Sheck, captain of the Warriors and a nine-year rugby league veteran, will leave his post in the NRL after the 2021 season, electing to pursue his dream in rugby union the following year.
The 27-year-old has his eyes set on representing the All Blacks at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
All Blacks and Blues loose forward Akira Ioane admits the team was in a bit of shock when they heard the news.
But he isn’t getting fixated over Tuivasa-Sheck’s possible link-up with the Blues.
“He’s just down the road; he’s always welcome at the Blues. But we’re not really thinking about that, [we’re] focused on what we need to work on for the pre-season games, and working into that first game,” Ioane says.
“He’s still got to play Warriors this year and we still got to worry about Super Rugby and everything else after that, so whatever happens, happens.
“No doubt he’ll do well, but I think he’s more worried about playing for the Waz and making sure they do a job over in Aussie.”
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The Super Rugby club Tuivasa-Sheck inks a deal with is unknown at this stage, however it is believed he will sign a two-year contract with the Blues this week – a logical option given his past representation with the franchise, as well as his family being based in Auckland.
Crusaders flanker Whetukamokamo Douglas says Tuivasa-Sheck is a player he would love to play with or against.
“Yeah of course, when I think about him he’s a professional, an inspirational leader and a talented athlete as well. I think rugby in general; it’ll be awesome to have him come over.”
New cross-code convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck may make his highly-anticipated union debut as early as this year in the Mitre 10 Cup.https://t.co/h2N23T94hN
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) February 2, 2021
Andrew Goodman, an assistant for the red and blacks, describes Tuivasa-Sheck as a “special player”.
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“He’s done some amazing things in rugby league. [I] think he’s an Auckland boy so will be hard to get him out of there, but amazing talent that any of the five teams would love to have.
“Roger’s got an advantage that he played rugby throughout his school career … throughout his career with the Warriors, pretty amazing skillset so I’m sure it’ll transfer over really well.
“Interesting to see where he goes.”
Both the Blues and Crusaders are making preparations for Super Rugby Aotearoa which kicks off on February 26. The two teams meet for their final preseason game on February 20.
While his inclusion in Super Rugby will not be until 2022, Tuivasa-Sheck could line up in rugby as early as this year in the Mitre 10 Cup for Auckland. The Herald understands Tuivasa-Sheck is hoping to make a successful transition back into the 15-man game, which would include a stint with the blue and white hoops this year.
The 2021 NRL grand final is slated for October 3, while the Mitre 10 Cup window is set for September 11 until November 27, offering the 27-year-old a good chunk of time with the provincial side should he wish.
Comments on RugbyPass
SBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
7 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
7 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
11 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
11 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
3 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
7 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
11 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
11 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
3 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
3 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
11 Go to commentsYou 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?
44 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.
11 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
11 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.
11 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
11 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.
11 Go to commentsWhat a dagg in more ways than one
6 Go to comments