Inga Tuigamala: Witt signing a good move for rugby

Opinion

Rugby's recruitment of unwanted Warrior Michael Witt is an exciting development, a promising sign that the administrators of the national game are able to open their eyes in a changing world.

I'm actually very surprised that the Warriors let Witt go - they must see something in the young players at the club which tell their coaches that the youngsters deserve to be in front of Witt.

But he has impressed me and I give him a good chance of making an impact in rugby.

Signing a league player would have been a real no-no for New Zealand rugby not so long ago. It is refreshing to see that they are indeed open-minded, and able to embrace new ways of doing things.

He has been talked about as either a first or second five-eighths but I think Witt has the skills and speed to play centre or fullback as well.

Witt is also a very good goal and general kicker so he could turn out to be an excellent buy for Otago and the Highlanders.

Rugby fans here are also having to open their eyes to the possibility that no New Zealand team will be in the hunt for the Super 14 title this season. At the halfway stage, it is not looking overly promising.

We can't be too introverted about this. The Super 14 is an international competition, and it is unreasonable to expect that we will always dominate it.

The rise of South African and Australian sides is actually a good thing from that perspective, and the overall competition looks far more competitive to me than in some previous years.

We don't have a God-given right to win everything - the World Cup has already taught us that.

The New Zealand sides face some big challenges, especially as many of them must still make trips to South Africa. The South African venues are intimidating atmospheres and even a struggling team like the Cheetahs will be formidable at home.

I would turn to the usual suspects when searching for New Zealand's best chance. Despite a slow start, I think the Crusaders will continue to carry our major hopes.

They have been mid-table before and gone on to win the title and have repeatedly shown over the years that they have what it takes at the business end of the season. There are signs that they are hitting their straps and they have the nous which gets them over the line at finals time.

The Blues are still a very raw team and coach Pat Lam is still finding his way in the Super 14. They have had a few defensive blow outs and this reflects the inexperience of the side.

It is this inexperience which causes some players to go missing and they are still learning how to play do-or-die rugby, that you can't relax for one moment at this level.

I would happily be proved wrong, but I don't think the Chiefs have the depth of talent of either the Crusaders or Blues which will count against them. All Black coach Graham Henry's presence at the Chiefs has certainly helped gel them together as a team.

The Highlanders have been a bit unlucky with some close losses, but the Hurricanes have only themselves to blame for their lowly position. They have made poor decisions at critical times in games.