Clash with former squad looms for New Zealand Super Rugby's best buy

Chiefs recruit, Gareth Anscombe has emerged as the best buy amongst the New Zealand Super Rugby teams for the 2013 season according to fans as he prepares to take on his previous home squad, the Auckland Blues this weekend.

Anscombe signed to the Waikato Chiefs for the 2013 season after being overlooked by the Blues when new Coach John Kirwan stepped in last year.

At just 21 years old, Anscombe has already made a huge impact with last year’s Super Rugby title winners in his new role in the number 15 jersey, after making the switch from his previous fly-half position at the Blues.

His real test however will come this weekend when Anscombe runs out for the Chiefs in this Saturday’s round 7 Super Rugby clash against his former teammates.

Anscombe received 41% of fans’ votes, the majority in this week’s rugby.com.au poll asking which player had so far proven to be the best purchase amongst the New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

There have been several new player signings amongst the New Zealand Super Rugby squads for this year’s tournament, including All Blacks stalwart, Brad Thorn who joined the Highlanders this season following a stint in Japan. Thorn received the second highest amount of votes in the poll this week on 21%.

Closely behind was his Highlanders team mate, Ma’a Nonu on 20% of the votes, while the Blues’ Chris Noakes, who was the Highlanders third choice number 10 last year, received 13%.

Former Crusader, Ben Franks received the least amount of votes on 6% as part of the Hurricanes forward pack this season.

Fans can continue to have their say in the weekly rugby.com.au poll. This week, following the wrap up of the Six Nations and the impending announcement of the British & Irish Lions team to Tour Australia this year, we’re asking fans who they think should be chosen to lead the pride of Lions, Sam Warburton, Chris Robshaw, Brian O’Driscoll, Jamie Heaslip, Ryan Jones or Kelly Brown.

Have your say now.