The offer stands, but Blues coach Tana Umaga is doubtful Beauden Barrett will move to Auckland from the Hurricanes next year.

Many long‑suffering Blues supporters will continue to hope because if Barrett decided to move north, the signing of the first five‑eighth would probably trump that of Sonny Bill Williams and Augustine Pulu combined.

Barrett showed in the third test against Wales in Dunedin last weekend that he is probably neck‑and‑neck with Aaron Cruden as the country's best No 10.

He is probably also at a similar level as far as fullback is concerned ‑ possibly alongside Israel Dagg chasing Ben Smith.

The Blues is still at the bottom of the New Zealand conference with 30 points from 6 wins and 6 losses this season.

They will meet the Brumbies at 7.35pm Friday.

 

Source: NZ Herald.