Rugby South senior editor Scott Hornell interviews a key member of the 2016 Blues Super Rugby squad. North Harbour captain, and Blues halfback Bryn Hall.
A big part of the Blues ‘Harbour Connection’ along with Tevita Li and James Parson, the tall halfback has developed into the leading distributor for the Super Rugby franchise after several injury setbacks, but Hall has now ‘pegged out’ his claim for the position as the side looks to settle under new coach Tana Umaga and captain James Parsons.
I met Hall prior to a training session at the franchises new base at Alexander Park. Eager to join his team mates before the crucial match against the Melbourne Rebels in just a matter of days, his bubbling energy was evident but obliging with my questions, we began by talking about his partnership with Blues first-five Ihaia West.
The Hawke’s Bay pivot and Hall hold an almost subliminal connection; Ihaia was born only 18 days before Hall, and this unique element is one of the factors that is instrumental that relationship.
Scott Hornell (SH) “Tell me about your playing combination with Ihaia? How have you guys been developing?”
Bryn Hall (BH) “It’s going well. Been linked here since 2014 and then I was injured last year, but it’s great to have that common thread in our selection this year”
The pair have indeed been playing side-by-side and across from each other since each represented their province at youth level, most notably in the 2012 Under 20 Junior World Championship tournament in South Africa. That competition exposed Hall to the leadership role, and while they did not take the title away from Newlands, they have struck-up a connection that many in New Zealand (NZ) rugby believe could eventuate into more opportunities wearing black.
SH “Your goals in NZ rugby Bryn, have the All Black management been in contact?”
BH “No, have you heard something?” and he shows that infectious smile. Hall is your typical, laughing player that is great for any environment. Jokingly, Hall does comment that it would be great to get any call-up, but ‘no’ they haven’t and he is focused on the Blues. I ask “and Maori representation?” where he agrees and says ‘he would love to’ get the call-up, for his family and no doubt, for his future aspirations but reinforced that he is focused on the current team.
A leader himself, in 2015 Bryn Hall was promoted to the role of provincial captain and in an up and down year, he strove hard to work with the players and to achieve a good result in the [former] ITM Cup Championship. They finished fifth, winning three out of ten matches and did well to win a close match in Southland, defeating Counties-Manukau at home and a victory over their neighbors Northland.
That full season was an improvement on the prior Super season which was ruined before it began when he broke his foot in a club match for Northcote. The St Peters College player had to sit back as others performed around him [again] A setback definitely, but many sense that he concentrated on observing the squad from the sidelines, picking up the base knowledge that he could transfer to his provincial environment, to promote a professional approach there which saw Harbour perform admirably. 2016 is the step up for Hall, and he has started in all but one game for this current side.
Under pressure now from internal competition, Hall is one of a handful of young talented halves that Umaga has at his disposal, so all players must perform. I ask Hall about Billy Guyton (North Otago)
SH “How much pressure is Billy putting on you?”
BH ” Yeah, Billy is good. Yeah we pressure each other. It’s good having him there to work with.” Possibly a diplomatic answer, but everyone in the squad is under no illusion that performance matters, as does ‘knowing your opposition. New coach Umaga is known for his approach to every game–to adjust tactics and selection to suit, so even a tried combination like Hall and West cannot sit back on their laurels.
And this is the moral of Super Rugby. Just as in the All Blacks winning culture, you must be pushed by your peers to succeed. And for Hall and the Blues, in 2017 that means the introduction of August Pulu, the Counties-Manukau and former Chiefs player. Recently a member of the All Black Sevens squad competing on the HSBC Sevens Series, this formidable addition to the Blues future lineup is in part due to the unquestionable connection that he holds with head coach Umaga.
That will also apply pressure to the starting halfback role, so what better way to establish any hierarchy next season, then to perform now. Hall is doing that and alongside his ‘Harbour Connection’ of Parsons and Li, these young men will take their learnings from the 2016 Super Rugby season into their future’s within Harbour Rugby. Each holds ambition of chasing national representation; Parsons has an All Blacks test match beside his name, and while Aaron Smith might well be the best halfback in the world you should ‘never stop looking over your should’.
SH “Who was your idol growing up?”
BH “Fourie du Preez. I just thought he was really good half, I liked his style and play”. I commented ‘if he had never played against him?’ but Hall answers ‘no’. The opportunity may have been missed but his choice is unique to other NZ halfbacks. They may have watched Justin Marshall or George Gregan, but Hall identified with the fiery Springbok. A good flat pass, or even the odd diving pass by Hall is often broken by a off high-pass or a set-move that breaks down too easily, so it has not been all plain sailing.
For Bryn Hall, the drive to perform is clear to see. If he can reach his peak, with North Harbour and within the Blues side, then he will push others hard I’m sure. I asked about his pass.
“with my size, the mechanics are different so I am always working on my skills”
That drive will see Bryn Hall go far within NZ rugby, in whichever franchise or Mitre10 Cup team he plays for. He will always be carrying that infectious smile.
Go well Bryn.
“Main photo credit”
