Super Rugby Pacific: Blues’ Daniel Halangahu believes Stephen Perofeta has taken steps forward this season

Blues assistant coach Daniel Halangahu is excited to see Stephen Perofeta at flyhalf as he believes the utility back has grown tremendously this season.

Perofeta has been used at flyhalf and fullback this campaign and has shown good form and maturity.

Halangahu is looking forward to seeing Perofeta have a hit out at flyhalf and commended the 25-year-old’s ability to take the ball to the line.

“It’s another chance, and he’s taken the other ones he’s had this season,” Halangahu told Stuff.

“We’re really looking forward to him being out there, not only in the way he directs the team at 10, and we’ve all seen what he can do with the ball when he’s attacking the line, but he loves to be the guy who kicks the goals as well and takes more ownership.

“We’ve seen him almost grow his personality as he takes more responsibility. For Stephen it’s an exciting week and also just another step. He’s done this four or five times already this year.”

Halangahu believes Perofeta has grown off the field as well and is someone who enjoys responsibility in the team structure.

“We talk a lot … funnily enough not about rugby … it’s about who he is as a person that very much reflects the way he shows up on the field. He needs to be a big personality for us. When Stephen is involved in the game and he’s assertive, usually that means good things for this team.

“We all remember that kick against the Chiefs from the sideline that put us ahead at home. That was on Stephen. He chose to take that kick and that’s something he didn’t do two years ago. He’s grown as a man, and we’re really proud of who he is as a person.”

Halangahu says that code-hopping Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is starting to find some form and adapt to the 15-man game.

“Roger is getting