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'The ultimate professional': Why the Blues are 'excited' about RTS
By Finn Morton
Out of all of the All Blacks’ genuine World Cup hopefuls, Blues midfielder Roger Tuivasa-Sheck might have the most to prove in Super Rugby Pacific this year.
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The dual international earnt mixed reviews throughout his first season in professional rugby, although he did make his Test debut against Ireland last July.
Tut the sidestepping speedster, who won a Dally M medal during his rugby league playing days, has fallen short of the hype that many expected of him.
However, ahead of his second season as a professional in the 15-player game, now is the time to get “excited” about his potential in the sport.
Assistant coach Craig McGrath said the Blues “have seen a real different Roger” compared to the player who sensationally switch codes more than a year ago.
“Roger’s going well,” McGrath told SENZ Mornings.
“It’s 12 months now he’s been in our game and it’s different, it’s totally different. He’s playing in a position that is different to where he was in rugby league.
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“We as Blues coaches have seen a real different Roger from 12 months ago. He’s hungry, he’s the ultimate professional and he’s doing some really good things at training.
“We’re excited to see him go tomorrow night.”
Tuivasa-Sheck will need to make his mark in Super Rugby this season if he’s to make it onto the plane to France
The 29-year-old appears to be behind midfielders Jordie Barrett and David Havili in the All Blacks’ depth chart, and will need a strong campaign in order to change that.
But as reported earlier this week, Tuivasa-Sheck is focused on learning everything he can from his first season with “one of the best teams in the world.”
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“It was still such a big learning for me,” he said. “I was only (in my) first year, and got called into one of the best teams in the world.
“I’m still blessed to be part of that team. I was just soaking it all in.
“I got moved to come back and play NPC, got moved to the New Zealand XV. I was really stoked with it.
“I just wanted to play rugby. I really wish I could get more games for the All Blacks, but this is the path I’m going through.
“I’m blessed. If that’s the best learning curve for me, then it is.”
The Blues have one more preseason fixture to play, before kicking off their regular season against the Highlanders at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 25.
Tuivasa-Sheck and the Blues are set to face the Chiefs on Friday night.
