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Luatua agrees surprise move to Bristol

Steven Luatua in All Blacks training

Bristol have pulled off a coup by securing the signature of New Zealand second-row forward Steven Luatua for next season.

Bottom of the Premiership with just two wins from their 14 games so far this season, Luatua could end up playing second-tier rugby if Bristol cannot secure survival.

Luatua, who has 15 All Blacks caps to his name, will link up with Pat Lam – a former coach of his Super Rugby franchise Blues.

Bristol described the deal as “among the most significant signings in the club’s recent history”.

Luatua said in a statement: “I have a fantastic relationship with Pat and I enjoyed working with him at the Blues. I’m looking forward to taking on a new challenge with Bristol and contributing to the long-term vision of the club.

“Bristol Rugby is one of the most ambitious clubs in the UK and that’s backed up by a really passionate fan base. 

“I’ve heard great things about the environment that is being built there and the plans in place, so I can’t wait to get started.”

Luatua was not a member of the All Blacks’ World Cup-winning squad in 2015, but appeared for his country as recently as last November.

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Nickers 25 minutes ago
Scott Robertson responds to criticism over All Blacks' handling errors

I thought we made a lot of progress against that type of defence by the WC last year. Lots of direct running and punching holes rather than using width. Against that type of defence I think you have to be looking to kick on first phase when you have front foot ball which we did relatively successfully. We are playing a lot of rugby behind the gain line at the moment. They are looking for those little interchanges for soft shoulders and fast ball or off loads but it regularly turns into them battering away with slow ball and going backwards, then putting in a very rushed kick under huge pressure.


JB brought that dimension when he first moved into 12 a couple of years ago but he's definitely not been at his best this year. I don't know if it is because he is being asked to play a narrow role, or carrying a niggle or two, but he does not look confident to me. He had that clean break on the weekend and stood there like he was a prop who found himself in open space and didn't know what to do with the ball. He is still a good first phase ball carrier though, they use him a lot off the line out to set up fast clean ball, but I don't think anyone is particularly clear on what they are supposed to do at that point. He was used really successfully as a second playmaker last year but I don't think he's been at that role once this year. He is a triple threat player but playing a very 1 dimensional role at the moment. He and Reiko have been absolutely rock solid on defence which is why I don't think there will be too much experimentation or changes there.

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