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Former All Blacks scrum coach Greg Feek lands with the Blues
By Ned Lester
The Blues have landed recent All Blacks scrum guru Greg Feek ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Feek was the mind behind a New Zealand scrum that improved dramatically throughout the 2023 Rugby World Cup, having bested Ireland, Argentina and even outperforming the South African scrum on paper in the knockout stages.
He'll oversee a Blues front-row unit that has lost one of the game's best in Nepo Laulala but added the services of Angus Ta'avao to mitigate that loss.
“There’s been a bit of movement in Super Rugby coaching circles after the World Cup so when the opportunity at the Blues came up, I jumped at the chance,” Feek said of his appointment.
“What really excites me is the chance to work with some of the younger Blues boys. The likes of Joshua Fusitu’a and PJ Sheck are at the start of their Super Rugby journeys, and it’s my job to come in and help them improve.
“There’s also guys like Ofa [Tuungafasi] and Gus [Ta’avao] who I’ve worked with previously, so it will be nice to go in with some established relationships.”
Established relationships in the coaching box as well as on the field, as new Blues head coach Vern Cotter was forwards coach at the Crusaders while Feek was finishing his playing career there in 2005.
“I’ve played under Vern and coached against him in the Six Nations when I was with Ireland. I have a lot of respect for him and I’m looking forward to working with him as a coach.
“Similarly, I’ve played with and against (Blues assistant coaches) Jason O’Halloran, Paul Tito and Craig McGrath. It’s great to be able to reconnect and give back to the game we love.”
The former All Blacks prop was heavily endorsed by Blues GM of Rugby Josh Blackie, who said he's the right man to come along at the right time.
“Greg’s a proven coach with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We want to develop our propping stocks here at the Blues and think he is the right man to take the scrum forward,” he said.
The Blues have clearly expressed a clear goal for the 2024 season, and Feek is familiar with the challenge of being within reach of silverware.
“From what I’ve seen and heard, this is a Blues side who want to win a championship. As a coach it’s great to have a hungry group of athletes who are willing to work towards that common goal.”
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Latest Comments
Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.
Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.
As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.
Go to commentsGood grief
Beauden was his usual industrious self mixing deft touches with mindless kicks
6 or 7 max!!
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