Rugby: Lilo to be measured by the Blues

Serge Lilo of the Blues runs the ball forward during the round one Super 14 match between the Blues and the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium on February 12. Photo / Getty Images

Hired help Serge Lilo will be measured tonight against the man who was the Blues benchmark for openside flanker standards.

As rugby becomes more mechanical and players are graded on their statistics, the technique and success of the turnover men is scrutinised even more.

When Daniel Braid vacated that role with the Blues last season to ply his talents with the Reds, the search for his replacement was not a great success. Josh Blackie was injured for much of the year, Onosai Tololima-Auva'a did not find massive support while the seasoned Justin Collins played through his injuries.

That entire trio missed the cut this season as the Blues picked Lilo from the draft and endorsed Tom Chamberlain who played three games last year after being drafted into the squad.

Lilo is a tough, uncompromising opensider but, so far, he has not nailed down a permanent home in the Super 14. The Blues are his third team in five years after stints at the Hurricanes and Chiefs.

He has moved his wife and two young daughters to Auckland but does not feel under more pressure as a rescue package for the Blues.

"Not really. I am just here to do a job and play to my best and that is all you can ask for," he said. "This is what I do. If I've got to move because of the job then that's the way it is."

The 24-year-old Lilo has gauged his impact against Braid several times during the national championship and is keen for the rematch under the tweaked law interpretations.

"Daniel has got a very good style, he has lots of experience is a good link player and overall very strong in his job."

So how does Lilo see his own work? And had he found difficulty with the law?

"My style? Good question. It is really up front, trying to get in the mix in the rucks, getting in at the tackles and going hard at that.

"It has been tough for a start because you have to release the player and that is against everything we have been taught for so long. You've got to adapt though, it is coming right but it has been difficult. It is all about getting rid of ingrained habits."

After the Super 14, Lilo will jet back to Wellington and the last year of his provincial contract.

"So this is all about trying to play well and getting my feet in the water to see how it goes with the Blues," he said.

REDS v BLUES
* Ballymore, Brisbane
* Tonight 9.40 on SS1