Rugby: Talented five-eighth happy to survey his nomadic existence

Matt Berquist will face some of his old Hawkes Bay cronies tonight at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

There is a refreshing dose of realism about Matt Berquist.

He is the hired help for Auckland this year, the senior five-eighth in the province's ITM Cup squad who has never been afraid to move in search of some sporting work.

It was a close call though this season and the 27-year-old thought he might have to pick up the stick and theodolite to concentrate on his simmering career as a surveyor instead of donning the rugby clobber.

Some ideas fell through and when Berquist approached his old Hawkes Bay union he was told their roster was full. He sent out some more inquiries and eventually picked up some work with Auckland.

Next year he is off to the Crusaders as a backup for Daniel Carter in the Super Rugby series. It is a constant juggling act for this rugby nomad, but he accepts that as a reflection of his abilities.

"It is another part of the dossier when you are at my level, not at the top echelon and not quite at the bottom either," Berquist said. "Things become trickier, especially at my age too."

Berquist has camped in Auckland for the ITM season and tonight runs into a number of his old Hawkes Bay cronies at Eden Park. It is a match Auckland needs to win to stay in the top quartet while the Bay wants another honour alongside the Taranaki victim they claimed last round.

Berquist is from Waipukurau in central Hawkes Bay and played for the Napier Boys High 1st XV before heading south to Otago University and his surveying degree.

He played for Otago and made the Highlanders squad in 2004, although he did not make a single appearance. He was not picked again for the Highlanders until 2009 when he became a regular selection late in the campaign and played for them again this season. But the moves continued and Berquist has found himself in the City of Sails.

Beyond the Crusaders, he is open to suggestions, ideas and offers.

"I guess if you play good footy then it opens up doors and that has got to be the main focus," he said. "You just have to enjoy it because it is a short lifestyle. I want to play overseas too, I am open to anything. Japan would be great. Hopefully if things go well I can get up there for some time."

After the disappointment of the Shield challenge and twisting his left knee early, Berquist is ready for some of his old cronies tonight.

"They played well against Taranaki even though the season is not going how they wanted it to go. But they will still be shooting for the top half of the competition and will come here to give it a real go."

Berquist was certain they would run a great deal down his defensive channel because they figured he was not the most robust tackler.

"It's the same for every five-eighth, we get attacked regularly because of the five metre gap behind the scrums, but that's all part of the deal."