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Serge Lilo of the Blues - Source: Photosport -
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Serge Lilo is the least high-profile of the Blues three off-season recruits and that's the way he likes it.
Unlike flashy first five-eight Stephen Brett and impressive halfback Alby Mathewson, Lilo came up to Auckland with more than just a starting position for the Blues on his mind.
Lilo is a self-proclaimed family man, having made the shift north late last year with his partner and two young children and the softly spoken 24-year-old says they are his ultimate priority.
Indeed his humble demeanour off the field is in stark contrast to the physical presence he brings on it.
His punishing defence and willingness to throw his body about with little fear of the repercussions has been at the fore so far in first four matches for his adopted franchise and now, with consistent game time, he is among a cluster of openside flankers in the New Zealand game sitting on a pedestal below All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
However Lilo revealed to tvnz.co.nz that with the rugby World Cup in New Zealand just 18 months away he is seriously considering his international options.
"I got to weigh it up a bit, finish playing Super 14 first and then weigh it up but I could do (play for Samoa)," Lilo said.
"There is always a dream to be an All Black but family comes first and if I get the opportunity overseas (as well), then why not?"
But for now his mission is to help the Blues rise up the Super 14 ladder. Coming off their bye week, the Auckland based franchise is sitting in 10th position on the table (two wins-two losses) and this Friday night's match against the Brumbies at Eden Park is certainly a critical junction.
One man they will need to stop is the great Australian flanker George Smith who Lilo rates as "second to no one" and he has been keeping a close eye on him on the box this season for a very good reason.
Lilo readily admits that he has had his troubles this season adjusting to the new tackle-ball law and it's no surprise who he rates as the best exponent of turning the ball over under the new rule.
"I've been watching George Smith quite a bit and I think he is the best (of attacking the new breakdown laws) so far," Lilo said.
Lilo has come up against the great Wallaby twice before, for the Hurricanes, and he reckons he went alright.
When probed further about the previous showdowns and asked whether he outplayed the former 110 Test veteran Lilo smiles and simply says:
"Na man I don't want talk myself up."
Fair enough, round three at Eden Park on Friday night will tell all.
