OPINION: Sitting in fourth on the New Zealand conference, the Blues' struggles in the first month of the Super Rugby season have been well documented.
Underlined by the side's issues at first-five, they've struggled for direction and subsequently failed to get over the line against three Kiwi teams in games they arguably should have won.
Conversely, the Hurricanes are like the only child on Christmas morning.
Buoyed by the arrival of Jordie Barrett, the 2016 Super Rugby champions are spoiled for choice with both Barrett and Otere Black more than capable of stepping into the 10 role.
This is precisely the reason why Otere Black, a player of unique skill and talent needs to head north to the Blues, a decision that would be a win-win for both Black and the Auckland franchise, and a negligible loss for the Hurricanes.
The Manawatu first five has really struggled to get game time at Super Rugby level since making his debut for the Hurricanes in 2015.
Patiently waiting for his turn on the side-line for two years, Black has only made a handful of appearances in all three seasons with a maximum of nine appearances in the 2015 season.
It's a congested back line at the Hurricanes and the reality is that Black is and will always be second-fiddle to incumbent Beauden Barrett.
With Beauden's younger brother Jordie proving that he's just as adept at first receiver as he is at second five-eighth and at fullback and Wes Goosen on the fringes, it's a no-brainer for Black to make the move to Auckland.
In contrast, the 10 jersey is notably less congested at the Blues. Piers Francis is heading home to play for Northampton and Ihaia West is fast falling out of favour. It’s the perfect opportunity for Black to step up and take command, something he will never get the chance to do at the the Hurricanes.
He turned down offers from the Blues when Sir John Kirwan was in charge, but a lot has changed.
Tana Umaga’s attempting to unite an experienced Blues backline filled with big talents including the likes of George Moala, Sonny Bill-Williams and Augustine Pulu. Time in this unit at this stage would do wonders for Black's development.
The 21-year-old is also tidy under the high ball and while he's not a particularly big unit, his ability to take the ball to the line is something the Blues is screaming out for.
The key is: time is of the essence for Black, whose two year deal is up at the end of the season, and the Blues aren't going to wait around to look elsewhere to try and replace Piers Francis.
The Blues need Black and if he is going to climb the pecking order of five eighths in New Zealand rugby, he needs the Blues.
Kristina Eddy is a Newshub intern.
