Auckland coach Wayne Pivac remained quiet on speculation that fly-half Gareth Anscombe has been dumped by the Blues for the 2013 season.
According to New Zealand's One News, Anscombe was not offered a Blues contract by the franchise's new coach Sir John Kirwan.
Kirwan was in attendance at Eden Park on Wednesday when Auckland beat Taranaki 43-32. Anscombe was in fine form, contributing 20 points via four penalties and four conversions in the home side's win.
The 21-year-old was off limits to the media after that match while Pivac said he couldn't talk about the situation regarding the player's Super Rugby future.
"I can't comment on any contractual issues surrounding the player," Pivac told Fairfax Media.
"But I can talk to you about his form and I thought he had a superb game."
Anscombe gave a flawless goal-kicking display against Taranaki, slotting all eight attempts at goal, and was assertive on attack.
The Blues have already acquired the services of former Highlanders pivot Chris Noakes and Michael Hobbs for next season.
Anscombe was a key player under former Blues coach Pat Lam and although he struggled in a poor Blues team earlier this year Pivac said his form has improved in the ITM Cup.
"Gareth is getting better each week," he explained.
"He is a player that's had a few injuries, he started the season with us late and he's taken a bit of time to warm into his game, but certainly the goal kicking had been outstanding.
"His general play (against Taranaki) was pretty and he had one of his best games."
Comments
ABlack says...
The Blues are useless at player slection and retention in the positions that count(8,9,10) Botica , Harris got away on them as they judst didnt bother selecting them as they were from North Harbour. Pat Lam has an prob with picking playwrs not from AKland in general. He was sueless at player management and talent retention as picked Tasasa Lavea over both Harris and Botica. Harris already playing international rugby for wallabies..... i rest my case on Pat's ability
Posted 09:28 23rd September 2012
runnrugby says...
Another solid game against wellington tonight for Anscombe, over 20 points. Thats what happens when you start a player consistently. You get consistent results. He never got the chance to do that for the blues this year because of tired imports from other franchises.
That was the difference between the blues and the other kiwi teams this year. The other teams put more faith into starting young players like Aaron Smith, Perenara, Barret, Kerrbarlow, Andre Taylor. They all were standouts in the competition too.
@Grtrunninglines Mike Harris is another one.
Posted 09:23 22nd September 2012
Ferdie says...
today v wellington, anscombe a try, 5 penalties and 3 conversions . . . but no contract. As Blues have also signed Marty McKenzie from Southland as a 10/15/utility seems there will be no room for gareth anscombe, no interest from another nz franchise puts him outside the top ten for nz.
NZ Herald suggests he could move to Ulster . . . ?
Posted 08:41 22nd September 2012
mime says...
I wouldn't be surprised if this isn't some political BS withen the Blues board. After his dad left, reading between hte lines seemed to be bad blood, and nothing would surprise me less than some ARU board having a grudge. We all know they pull the strings in the Blues, hence most of their problems.
Posted 08:33 22nd September 2012
rakavi187 says...
Hobbs just dont do it for me...Anscombe is our future. Hope he gets into the Blues squad.
Posted 21:47 20th September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
What the hell is happening at Auckland?
Chris Noakes and Michael Hobbs????????
Whoever made that decision needs a punch in the face!
Posted 21:21 20th September 2012
mew2000 says...
I think the problem is nonu.... There have been rumours of nonu not sticking with the plans the coach had or not actually listening to the number 10 and doing his own thing... Makes kind of sense for hammet to boot him off the hurricances when he would do his own thing....
Hobbs yes but the other back up 10 for the blues, please he's a no name... This guy could turn out like grant fox and the blues are probably the most stupid of nz super sides for getting rid of quality players and replacing them with average and they wonder why they don't win my games???
Posted 20:20 20th September 2012
Grtrunninglines says...
There couldn't be any more mediocre fly-halves in any team than Noakes and Hobbs. They're barely provincial standard......if that! Anscombe looks to be a very promising player, which means he'll probably end up overseas like other promising Blues players like Daniel Bowden, James Arlidge, Orene A'i, Ben Botica to name but a few.
Posted 19:42 20th September 2012
hhlamazing says...
Does he follow his dad and go to Ulster?
Posted 15:19 20th September 2012
melkdave says...
His a talanted young FH ,theres no dought of that,,and ill be surprised if he isnt oplaying S15 somewhere in 2013
Posted 12:37 20th September 2012