Super Rugby transfer hits
SPOTLIGHT: With Super Rugby on hold due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, we look at the transfer hits of the season.
All Blacks Beauden Barrett joining the Blues was certainly the biggest talking point at the start of the season.
The two-time World Rugby player of the year opted to leave the Hurricanes and joined the struggling Auckland side. Unfortunately, due to his contract clause that stated he is allowed a break until April, Barrett has not featured in any of the Blues’ fixtures.
Barrett’s lack of game time makes it very difficult to determine whether the move was hit or a miss. However, with his skills along with playmakers like Rieko Iaone and England recruit Joe Marchant. the move is still a major boon on paper for the Blues.
However, while Barrett stole all the pre-season headlines there are three players who proved their worth in their respective conferences.
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Sikhumbuzo Notshe (South Africa)
The loose forward joined the Sharks from the Stormers at the start of the season and the move was a stroke of brilliance for his career.
Notshe is by no doubt an immensely talented player and even earned six Test caps in 2018, but the lack of game time at the Stormers prevented him from reaching his full potential.
That certainly changed with his new team.
Starting all this season’s games in No.8 jumper, the 26-year-old made 259 run metres, 64 carries, beat 22 defenders, made eight clean breaks, won four line-outs and completed 50 out of 52 tackles after just seven rounds.
With stats like that, there is no denying that his transfer was not only best for his career but also good for the Sharks.
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Aaron Cruden (New Zealand)
Cruden’s return to the Chiefs from Montpellier was a breath of fresh air for the New Zealand side.
The 31-year-old, who started at flyhalf in the 2011 World Cup final, proved invaluable and was certainly a perfect fit alongside new coach Warren Gatland.
Following his struggles with consistency and form at Montpellier, Cruden’s transfer to Hamilton ignited his love for rugby and he certainly appeared much happy at the start of Super Rugby season.
The flyhalf managed to add structure and stability to the Chiefs set-up and he even added 39 points during his five appearances for the franchise.
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James O’Connor (Australia)
Despite numerous off-field controversies and a ‘bad boy’ reputation, O’Connor’s return to Australia has certainly been a silver lining to the country’s very dark rugby cloud.
The utility back re-joined the Reds after plying his trade at Premiership club Sale Sharks.
The Reds have been struggling in the first few weeks of Super Rugby and it certainly looked very bleak until Brad Thorn opted to utilize O’Connor at flyhalf against the Bulls.
O’Connor was in fine form even though he did not take the spot-kicks. The 30-year-old dictated proceedings during the 41-17 win and his experience will certainly be vital when Super Rugby resumes in Australia.
@rugby365com
