Rugby: Pulu the pupil meets his mentor

Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu says he learned a lot from All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith on last year's northern tour, ahead of facing the Highlanders dynamo tonight. Photo / Christine Cornege

Chiefs halfback on steep learning curve but hoping to dish out lesson to fellow All Black Aaron Smith in Highlanders clash tonight

When a callow Augustine Pulu headed away with the All Blacks on last year's northern tour, the rookie quickly found a willing mentor.

Aaron Smith, one year older but with 36 more test caps, was often seen putting in extra practice with Pulu, sharing the tips and tricks that have made him the premier player in his position.

So when the Chiefs host the Highlanders in Hamilton tonight, don't be shocked if the halfback battle is the most engaging on the park.

And, later in the year, it will be similarly unsurprising if the pair spend another European autumn working side by side.

Pulu has his eyes on a place at the World Cup, having experienced his first taste of international rugby during a couple of substitute appearances on the end-of-year tour.

But it will be far from easy. While the serious injury to Tawera Kerr-Barlow that first gave Pulu a sniff should keep the former out of the All Blacks fame, the return of Andy Ellis has complicated the picture.

Pulu has a chance, though, especially if he can spend the Super Rugby season applying the advice he received from Smith while on the training grounds of the UK.

"He did an outstanding job of looking after me and giving me little tips of the trade," Pulu said. "It takes a lot to actually give those kinds of things away and it just shows what kind of character he is.

"He's caring and he's a good fella and we got along pretty well. He's a really energetic fella and he's always on a high, so it's good to be around him."

Working day-by-day under the watchful eye of someone like Smith, the areas Pulu needed to improve soon became apparent. But, if he needed any more guidance, the All Blacks coaching staff also sent away the 25-year-old with a checklist to tick off between now and September.

"It was really clear what I needed to work on," Pulu said. "I've come up with a plan and I've just got to make sure I stick to it. It's nothing major - it's all just one per centers, recovery and all that stuff.

"It all just gives you a little boost to play at your best because you know you've ticked off every box throughout the week. I've got heaps of stuff I've learnt from the end of the year, so hopefully it will all come out this year and I'll just get better and better."

Pulu has already made good progress towards that goal, excelling against the Crusaders in his first start of the season. The Counties-Manukau man is now eyeing an extended run in the starting side ahead of Brad Weber and, while another impressive outing against Smith will certainly help, Pulu was wary of expending energy in any personal duels.

"It's just another game," he insisted. "I want to worry about my game and not be intimidated by what he does. That's what he does and he's the best at it.

"So I'm just going to go out there and try to play well for us as a team, for myself and for the coaches. That's my main focus."