Promising Luatua earmarked for big things
If there is one silver lining to the dark cloud injuries have cast over the embattled Blues camp this season, it is the unearthing of young and promising talent.
George Moala, James Parsons, Hadleigh Parkes, Ben Lam and Dan Pryor have all gained some valuable experience and perhaps more game time than they may have expected, but one of the most exciting young prospects to emerge is Steven Luatua.
The World Cup winning New Zealand Under-20s lock has seen his teammates from that successful tournament – Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Luke Whitelock, Ben Tameifuna, Brad Shields and Beauden Barrett- all go on to be selected in the 35-man All Blacks squad, and he is keen to get in on the action.
Injuries have opened the door for Luatua to graduate from the Blues Wider Training Group to the full squad as Jerome Kaino, Chris Lowrey, Brad Mika and Anthony Boric have all headed to the sidelines, and he has grabbed his opportunity with both hands.
After a 15 minute cameo off the bench against the Lions last week, Lam was clearly impressed with what he saw from the 21-year-old and has promoted him to the starting team to face the Crusaders tomorrow night.
“It’s a real reward for the hard work he’s put in and I’m confident he’ll go out there and do a good job for us against the Crusaders which is a massive game for a young guy to make his first start,” Lam said.
Luatua can’t hide his excitement about the impending challenge he faces tomorrow night in his run-on debut.
“When they named the team I was in awe and just thought ‘what have I gotten myself into?’” Luatua quipped, with his trademark smile beaming from ear to ear.
“But I was thinking about it last night and I’m really excited about the challenge. Playing the Crusaders in Christchurch, what better stage to make your starting debut on so I just want to go out there and do the jersey proud.”
It’s a daunting task taking on a formidable Crusaders loose forward trio featuring All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, former All Black George Whitelock and the highly rated Matt Todd, but it is a task Luatua is relishing.
“Taking on Richie McCaw? It’s all good, I’ll just start my first game against him, no pressure or anything,” he said, laughing.
“I’ve just got to focus on my core roles – set piece, my defence and around the breakdown so I’m just going to go out there and give it my all.”
Lam has earmarked Luatua for big things and is excited about what the future holds for the promising youngster.
“He first came into our environment with the Blues Under-18s in 2009 and then went on to the New Zealand Under-20s. We’ve been watching him for some time,” Lam said.
“He came and played a pre-season game for the Blues last year and we had that much confidence and belief in him that we signed him up at the beginning of the year for the Wider Training Group and a full Blues contract for 2013 and 2014.
“He’s got that leadership quality, the work ethic and the character that you want in a Blues player so it’s a great opportunity for him.”
The Blues take on the Crusaders at AMI Stadium on Friday night, kick-off 7.35pm.
Photo:photosport.co.nz
