Rugby: Hard test expired

Northlanders in the Blues Development team will today have the chance to learn from international players when they take on Samoa A in Auckland.

Northland ITM Cup assistant coach, and Blues Development co-coach, Derren Witcombe said it was an exciting clash for his side.

"I think it will be [a tougher match] from what I've heard," said Witcombe. "I haven't seen any footage of what they've played, but we're expecting a tough encounter."

So far Witcombe's side has had convincing back-to-back wins over the Crusaders and Chiefs development sides.

"The Crusaders were pretty strong but the Chiefs were a step up on them. Samoa A should be a step up again and we're preparing as so. The players are pretty excited to be playing an international team."

Witcombe said the Northlanders in the Blues Development team had been taking their opportunities on the field, acknowledging it was a difficult task to step up after having played no club rugby yet.

"Will [Whetton] has had the most game time out of them [the Northlanders], all due to less of the Blues loose forward players coming down to play. [But], they've all taken their opportunity and done solid.

"For not playing any football I guess they are, it'd be harder to get straight into that level football without playing any before. I think everyone in the squad has done well."

After today's match the Blues Development team has two games remaining, against Fiji A and Japan A.

Witcombe said in terms of his own coaching development his time with the Blues had been helpful.

"It's been exciting and interesting competition," said Witcombe. "I've been good rubbing shoulders with lots of different players and coaches, learning lots.

"I like to think you never stop learning as a coach. I've always got that frame of mind anyway."