Rugby: Blues aim to draft Brett

Stephen Brett has to weigh stability at the Crusaders against more game time for the Blues. Photo / Getty Images

The draft is going to be the mechanism by which the Blues secure Canterbury first five Stephen Brett.

After a frantic last day of transfers, the future of Brett was still uncertain, with Blues coach Pat Lam saying he hasn't given up hope of luring the 24-year-old north.

Because Brett is on contract with Canterbury, it took three parties to agree on his moving: The Blues - through Auckland - had to signal they wanted him; Brett had to declare his interest in being available; and the Crusaders via Canterbury had to sanction the move. If all three parties had agreed, Brett could have been protected by the Blues and then released back to Canterbury to play in the provincial championship.

But it is understood that only two of the three signed off. Obviously the Blues wanted him and, while Brett has been reluctant to move away from the Crusaders in the past, it is understood that he was prepared to give the Blues a go next year.

It has not been an easy decision for Brett. The situation at the Crusaders - where Dan Carter, Colin Slade and Brett are all vying for one spot - is similar to how things were at the franchise in 2005, when Carter, Andrew Mehrtens and Aaron Mauger were all on the books. That year, the All Black coaches intervened to see if one of the three would agree to a move to the Hurricanes. All three refused.

Earlier this year Graham Henry aired his view that one of the three Crusaders first five hopefuls should move on. He made it clear that with Carter back in Christchurch, it would be down to Slade or Brett to head for pastures new. It's come down to Brett, who has had to weigh up the two scenarios. The Blues would give him ample game time, the opportunity to show he can back-up week-to-week, run the side and be the tactical director. The Blues have the potential to put together a backline that would see Luke McAlister and Isaia Toeava in the centres, Joe Rokocoko and Anthony Tuitavake on the wings and Rudi Wulf at fullback.

Against that, Brett knows the proven winning culture of the Crusaders. He knows the coaches, the environment and would be surrounded by friends and family. But how much will he play if he stays in Christchurch? Having been drafted into the All Blacks earlier this year, Brett could say that the talent queue at the Crusaders has not been to his detriment.

But it is understood that the All Black coaches have made it clear that his international prospects will be greatly enhanced by regular game-time.

"I think we will have to go to the next stage - the draft," said Lam of not just Brett, but attempts to lure some loose forwards.

"I'm still confident that we will have a strong squad when it is announced on November 11."

It's expected that the Crusaders will come under pressure to give up Brett when the drafting process begins in early November. If Brett wants to move and the Blues have an obvious need for a first five, then it's difficult to see how the Crusaders will be able to keep him.

If Lam is successful, then the Blues will be able to assemble a side that will start the championship as genuine playoff contenders. Their first choice pack will include Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Ali Williams, Anthony Boric and Jerome Kaino.

They are looking for an openside in the draft, as Josh Blackie is not coming back from Japan and Serge Lilo could be the man they get. They will probably also be keen to pick up a No8 too, to support Chris Lowrey.

Alby Mathewson is confirmed at halfback and the backline is stacked with talent. As well as their All Black contingent, they will also be hoping to find places for Rene Ranger, Paul Williams and Benson Stanley.

Lam has worked frenetically trying to attract new players and retain existing ones. "We were pretty concerned with so many players coming off contract at the same time, but they have made the decision to stay and that is great for us," he said.

How it all works

* The Super 14 selection process requires a degree. All franchises are able to protect up to 24 players.

* But they can't just keep their 24 best players. They have to submit to the NZRU their potential starting XV and also a genuine bench of seven players. They can protect two more players after that - of their choice.

* Each franchise then has to submit their 'protected' list to the NZRU and this is shared so all five teams can see it.

* All five franchise coaches then meet in Wellington to fill the gaps in their squad. If there is competition for a certain player in the draft, then a three-man panel of Sir Brian Lochore, John Graham and NZRU head of professional rugby Neil Sorensen are asked to arbitrate.