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Blues first five-eighth Stephen Brett - Source: Photosport -
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The Blues search for a replacement for Carlos Spencer has been four years in the making. Four seasons in which eight different players - tried - in vain to follow in King Carlos' lofty footsteps.
Some did an adequate job, others, on occasion, even performed with distinction, but ultimately Tasesa Lavea, Luke McAlister, Isa Nacewa, David Holwell, Nick Evans, Lachie Munro and Jimmy Gopperth all failed to deliver the goods.
Indeed just one semi-final showing since 2005 is scant return for New Zealand's biggest centre and coach Pat Lam knew, along with the rest of the Auckland rugby public that the Blues needed a new Carlos.
And boy did they try.
The Blues reportedly chased some of the hottest first five-eight talent in the world to full their perennial problem position but after rejection after rejection they finally, got their man, or rather a man, namely Canterbury understudy, Stephen Brett.
But make no mistake. Brett doesn't want to be the next Spencer, at this stage anyway, all he wants to do for now is to fit in with his new team.
"All I can really do is get out of the players that they trust me and I trust them." Brett told ONE News.
"I mean the amount of talent I have outside me and on the bench is there it's just a matter of getting the forwards going forward and the rest should hopefully follow.
"I reckon I can hopefully do the job. It's probably going to be pretty tough but I'm up for the challenge."
Lam however doesn't beat around the bush. He got his man, eventually, and now after two months of pre-season he is convinced that the 24-year-old is more than capable.
"That is the reason that we chose him. We were very fortunate to get him. We worked hard and he has come along for the opportunity." Lam said.
"He has certainly showed so far in pre-season that he can lead the team very well so we're happy that we have him."
Indeed it's no secret that Brett has taken ownership of his franchise from the word go.
Not only has he already become a key leader within the group, but he has also introduced old Crusaders systems into his talented backline.
But whether Brett is the saviour remains to be seen.
While he has all the core offensive skills of a modern day first five-eight he has also been known to go missing in defence.
That is why the acquisitions of the Wellington pair of Alby Mathewson and Serge Lilo were so crucial. The halfback and openside flanker both bring a real physical presence around the fringes and Lam will be banking on these two to cover any of Brett's defensive frailties.
Certainly many observers pointed to the seven-eight-nine-ten axis as the Blues' weakness last season, but with their three high profile recruits, and the powerful Harbour man Viliami Ma'afu packing the back of the scrum, those days could be numbered.
The Blues open the Super 14 season against the Hurricanes in Albany on Friday night at 7:35pm.
Blues Squad:
Tony Woodcock, John Afoa, Charlie Faumuina, Tevita Mailau, Keven Mealamu, Tom McCartney, Anthony Boric, Kurtis Haiu, Jerome Kaino, Peter Saili, Serge Lilo (D), Tom Chamberlain, Chris Lowrey, Viliame Maafu, Alby Mathewson, Chris Smylie, Stephen Brett (D), Daniel Kirkpatrick (D), Luke McAlister, Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, George Pisi, Rudi Wulf, Anthony Tuitavake, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Paul Williams.
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