Rugby: Jordan Taufua Crusader strikes All Blacks before joining Leicester Tigers

Another blow to the All Blacks and Jordan Taufua will be content to embark on a new quest.

Entering his seventh season with the Crusaders, this aggressive, aggressive and committed striker made the difficult decision to join the Leicester Tigers two and a half years after the New Zealand provincial season.

Knocking on the door for several seasons, Taufua formed the All Blacks team last year, but did not take the field in the June series against France. He then broke his arm for the second time in the Super-Rugby Crusaders semifinal, thus depriving him of a likely spot on the North Circuit.

Like British convert Brad Shields, Taufua was a victim of the Jerome Kaino era and the depth of the blinds in the All Blacks.

Leaving New Zealand at the end of the year will be difficult, but he feels ready for a new challenge.

Taufua has informed All Blacks coach Steve Hansen of his intentions and hopes to stay at the World Cup with the largely blinded role this season.

"It was very important to me, I phoned Steve to let him know that I was going abroad, I'm 100% focused this year, I will not be leaving until mid-November, my goal is to give everything to the Crusaders and Tasman and if I find myself again in this environment All Blacks, I will definitely try my luck, "says Taufua at Herald.

"The dream is still there and my goal is still to be an All Black this year.

"Steve was really good about that, he understood from my point of view, he appreciated that I called him and he was obviously disappointed that I went there, but he told me that he would keep an eye on me for a great Super Rugby campaign. "

Previously, Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua had missed the selection of All Blacks after making the decision to go abroad. When selection is tight, Hansen's policy is usually to choose those who engage in New Zealand.

As always, the competition is not lacking for the jersey six of the All Blacks. The Highlander Trio, Liam Squire, Jackson Hemopo and Shannon Frizell and Vaea Fifita of the Hurricanes are all on the board.

"It's out of my control," says Taufua. "Whenever I go out there to do my job and play the best rugby, everything else will take care of itself.It's the year of the World Cup and that of Steve, so I guess the best players will play.

"I'm really clear and happy and if I do not do it, it's not the end of the world."

Taufua has always been a person to embark on everything. Breaking both forearms in the past two seasons has led him to consider new options, but he also pointed out that this decision was motivated by the possibility of tasting something new rather than d & # 39; increase your income.

"The financial aspect is cool, but it was the next step in my career and I continued to play well.

"I did my research, they participated in the finals of the Heineken Cup, they won championships, they know what it takes to be at the highest level. They did not have the best years, but for me was actually going out there and helping them get back to where they were.

"It was a reminder of the old crusaders with a strong history. We have gone through a difficult time and now we are going to win our third title this year, so it looked like a lot of similarities. I can not wait to go there. and see a different side of rugby. "

The 27-year-old said he was struck by the passion and vision of Leicester coach Geordan Murphy during their two phone calls, comparing him to Scottish mentor Scott Robertson.

"He's already worn the jersey that looks like Razor.Where he wants to take the club I'm excited.I can not wait to bring what I bring there."

Taufua grew up in Otahuhu, after going to Christchurch with a scholarship from Lincoln University to continue his rugby studies after discovering no trail in Auckland. One of six siblings, he will continue to do what he can to support his family.

"In an island family in the Pacific, it's always important to give in. For me, I always try to help my mother, father, brothers and sisters wherever possible. are fine, but if something happens, I always want to help. "

Taufua has been training for 16 weeks to return from his second broken arm in the Barbarians' win against the Springboks at Twickenham last December. He has since made two pre-season appearances for the Crusaders.

Other than doing the All Blacks, signing his career in New Zealand with a third successive Super Rugby Championship remains a major ambition.