League convert Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has received a pass mark coach Leon MacDonald, after the Blues' 28-21 pre-season win over the Hurricanes.
The blustery conditions in the capital didn't help the former Warriors captain's debut, with MacDonald admitting there were some mistakes and plenty to work on, as they head to the Super Rugby bubble in Queenstown.
His return to the 15-man code has been a long time coming for Tuivasa-Sheck, who left the Warriors early to play in last year's National Provincial Championship, but sidelined by Auckland's COVID-19 lockdown.
Suited and booted in his new colours, he carried the ball well and was solid on defence.
While he wasn't perfect, MacDonald is still happy with the strides his marquee signing is making.
"Rog was busy, I thought," he says. "He tried to get into the game.
"I thought he brought some good energy and carried well at times. It was a good hitout and I think he will be better for it."
Tuivasa-Sheck gave away two penalties from two of his carries, which is an area MacDonald admits needs improving.
"He can definitely help with some of the things like ball placement and how he lands."
But MacDonald promises a more improved 'RTS', when the team get to play in more favourable conditions.
"I think those conditions were just so different to what he had been training in," he says. "Get him on a dry pitch and he will look much more at home and suit his style of game."
And the rest of the competition is aware.
"He's got awesome feet," admires Hurricanes coach Jason Holland. "This probably wasn't the day for him today, as far as the conditions were concerned.
"He's going to be a threat going forward, no doubt."
Tuivasa-Sheck will be a threat keen to continue soaking up his new surroundings.
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