Stephen Perofeta has been in great form for the table topping Blues team so far this season in the 15 jersey at fullback, forming a playmaking partnership with All Black first five Beauden Barrett.
Leading on from an impressive NPC season with Taranaki last year, Perofeta was awarded the Duane Monkley Medal awarded for the most valuable player in the competition. Whether at first five in Barrett’s absence or at fullback, Perofeta has been leaving his stamp on Blues matches.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Podcast, former All Black James Parsons and Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall shed light on Perofeta’s chances for All Black selection.
“I think he’s right in the selection mix,” Parsons said.
“Long term, when you make the All Blacks it’s not just about one season. He’s had a massive season with Taranaki and now he’s just bringing that game to Super Rugby level.
“And the confidence to step up with the grubber for Beaudy, he steps into first receiver with Beauden outside him…He’s definitely in great form and paying with confidence.
“What the pack is putting up front is allowing these guys time. When you have guys with that sort of pace and the ability and vision to see space and bend defences, it’s all due to the fact the big boys upfront are, cleaning bodies, sucking more defences in, and creating more space on the outside.”
Crusaders halfback Bryn Hall went up against the Blues and Perofeta just a fortnight ago and was able to analyse his game from the field and claimed it was ‘probably his best game’ for the Blues.
Perofeta’s form certainly seems to be trending in the right direction towards the pointy end of the Super Rugby season.
“I think he wasn’t that bad when he played us a couple of weeks ago. Considering that was probably his best game… in the Blues’ jersey,” Hall claimed.
“What was on the line that night and how he kind of game managed that game. The ways in which he influenced the game, I would say the game against us was probably his best.
Perofeta’s selection for Ian Foster’s first All Blacks squad of the season may depend on whether the All Blacks take a third first five or fullback.
Richie Mo’ounga and Beauden Barrett are ahead of him in the pecking order as All Blacks first fives, while Jordie Barrett and Will Jordan are likely to be selected ahead of Perofeta at fullback.
However, he may find himself selected as a third first five and fullback utility as dual cover across the two positions in a similar vein to how Damien McKenzie was at times utilised.
If the All Blacks decide to select a third first five in their squad, one test All Black Josh Ioane remains in contention. However, Ioane is still finding his form after recently returning from injury with the Chiefs.
The Chiefs have also started Kaleb Trask, Chase Tiatia and Emoni Narawa at fullback during the Super Rugby season, while the Highlanders have used Conor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert and Mitch Hunt as their 10 and 15.
The Hurricanes have used Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love and Josh Moorby at fullback and Jackson Garden-Bachop and Aidan Morgan at first five.
