Rugby: Taylor the new custodian

Andre Taylor. Photo / Getty Images

Andre Taylor appears to be the main beneficiary of Cory Jane's likely move back to wing for the Hurricanes this season.

Taylor seems likely to wear the No 15 jumper when the Hurricanes begin their season on Sunday morning (NZT) against the Stormers in Cape Town and the 24-year-old said it would be a difficult task picking up where Jane left off.

But it's better than the alternative. The third-year Super Rugby player would have faced tough competition from Julian Savea, Alapati Leiua and Richard Buckman for a spot on the flanks.

"Cory's a good player back there and he has been for a long time," Taylor said. "Talking to Cory, we both know we can play both positions so I think we are just going to chop and change wherever it suits. But I've got huge boots to fill, so it's just trying to be like him and the best I can.

"I like playing fullback because you get a lot more time and space to do things. But if I get chucked on the wing, that's not a problem, either."

Taylor logged 80 minutes in the custodian's role in the Hurricanes final pre-season hit-out last Friday night when they beat the Chiefs 23-19 in Taupo.

He produced an assured display in the wet conditions, including making one brilliant tackle on former All Black Brendon Leonard when the nippy halfback seemed destined to streak away for a try.

Most importantly for the Hurricanes, Taylor was safe under the high ball, a skill he will need to reproduce this weekend.

"Those South Africans love their high balls and especially with the altitude as well, the ball holds up a bit longer than in New Zealand," Taylor said.

"But I think that's something I'll have to adapt to when I train during the week. Me and Cory will probably go away and work on things like that to make my game a lot better but I'm expecting it and I'm ready to give it a crack."

Taylor, who made his provincial debut for Manawatu when he was still a student at Palmerston North Boys' High School, also has a prodigious punt on him.

His right boot will be a valuable asset to the Hurricanes when counter-attacking or finding field position, and he can also take the odd long shot at goal, as he displayed for Taranaki in last year's ITM Cup.

"I've been working on my kicking game and with Beauden Barrett at first-five he's got a good kicking game, too. So if we can have an all-round kicking game, then it makes things a lot easier. It plays a big part at fullback. It gives you more time to look for that space to kick and counter-attack."

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