Aaron Cruden may not be taking shots on goal, but his all-round performance for the Chiefs is showing that his return to the All Blacks isn’t up for discussion.
In 525 minutes of game time, Aaron Cruden has been the enabler to a Chiefs backline that has taken the Super Rugby competition by storm. In their 29-23 win over the Blues in Round Seven, Cruden showcased his chip-kicking ability, lifting the ball over the defenders in front of him and getting to the bounce to create a counter-attack instead of the traditional way of passing to his support. Cruden’s open play kicking game has gone to another level and has set up many of the Chiefs scoring opportunities so far this season.
Cruden does one of three things when he gets the ball in hand, each of which seems to improve with every game. Cruden will immediately pass onto Charlie Ngatai at second receiver, and then when off the ball, pushes the backline wider for the next phase. When Cruden takes the carry, he is easily able to slip through two tacklers, or on the third option, Cruden will take a gamble and opt for a chip kick, often from deep inside his own half.
In total, even though Cruden only has two tries so far in 2016, his assist number have risen to nine. On defence, Cruden has a tackling success rate of 77%, but his real only concern is in the turnovers: on average one per game.
Seven weeks ago, not a lot of people would have predicted that Cruden would not be taking as many place kicks on goal. Cruden has just a single penalty under his belt so far in 2016, and this had lead to some speculating about his spot in the All Blacks in June. Prior to his return from injury, it was rare that Cruden wouldn’t be taking the penalty and conversion duties for the Hamilton franchise but there is no question about Cruden being one of the first pick selections for the All Blacks; when Steve Hansen and his fellow selectors sit down to decide on the squad for the series against Wales.
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie has been in constant contact with the All Blacks on the subject of Cruden taking kicks on goal. Rennie’s legacy as a coach has been developing young talent into international-calibre players, and the people he has mentored; including Cruden, say that it is the freedom but also the knowledge that you get what you want out into your daily performance under Rennie.
Ultimately, with the approval of the national management in his ear, Cruden himself has had the final decision and continues to step back and let in-form youngster Damian McKenzie take the role. Cruden has had faith in McKenzie dating all the way back to the beginning of last year when he praised the head on McKenzie’s shoulders.
“You almost forget how young he is sometimes because he is extremely composed. I love his attacking ability, his mindset, and his kicking game is great.”
In so many ways, Cruden is in the form of his life, but more importantly this is a player who if nothing else, is enjoying his rugby.
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The Chiefs have a bye next week, before playing the Hurricanes in Wellington.
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