First take: Perenara needed more from forwards

TJ Perenara scores for the Hurricanes against the Brumbies. Photo / Getty Images

Brumbies 29 Hurricanes 21
Halfback is a crucial position for any rugby team. He is at the hub of all the team's tactics and has to have a feel for the rhythm the side wants to play.

TJ Perenara is one of the talented New Zealanders who wear the No 9 jersey in the Super 15, a bloke who has been picked to travel with the All Blacks behind Aaron Smith and Tawera Kerr-Barlow.

It must have been galling to go on the end of year tour and finish as the only one of the official party who did not get on the field.

His audition ground has to be the Super 15 once more.

Back on his home patch tonight with the Hurricanes, Perenara suffered from the sloppy presentation of his forwards in most areas of the first half. He was not exempt either.

The impetus a halfback needs to get his backs moving was fractured, players kept getting in each other's way while Perenara delivered a few untidy passes.

He was busy and up in support to score a try however the widespread Hurricanes malaise in delivering rugby fundamentals hurts the entire team.

Halfback is one of the key barometers for any rugby side's condition. If he and his side are out of tune, the discord is jarring. Perenara needed to demand more of a platform from his pack early so he could hit Beauden Barrett with some decent possession.

Perenara has a high rating which deserves his better attention.