Blues hero Anscombe: It was just one of those days

Pat Lam has revealed he held young first-five Gareth Anscombe back from making his starting debut until he could play between Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu and the move paid big dividends as the Blues got their season back on track today. Anscombe scored all of his side's points in the 29-23 victory over the Bulls at Pretoria, his side's first win for the 2012 season following losses to the Crusaders and Chiefs. Anscombe, 20, was thrust into the spotlight after the Blues first-five for the past two matches, Michael Hobbs, returned to New Zealand to be with his ill father Jock. And the Auckland player looked thoroughly at ease in the intimidating environs of Loftus Versfeld, scoring two tries and kicking seven from nine. "It was just one of those days,'' he said. "I got two fortunate tries, really, where the ball just popped into my hands. I just tried to do my job for the team.'' Blues coach Lam said he was determined to give Anscombe that job only when halfback Weepu and second-five Nonu, who was making his Blues debut after a delayed start to the season, were alongside him. "It was an outstanding effort. We've known he has a lot of talent but we wanted to nurture that and play him when the time was right,'' Lam said. "For [assistant coach] Bryce Woodward and myself we purposely waited for Ma'a to get here and Piri to start so to play in between those two was a big help for him.'' Anscombe agreed. "They both have a lot of knowledge of the game. When we came together and talked it made my job a lot easier. "I would put it right up there,'' he said of his experience. "It's a daunting place to play up here but I tried not to think about it too much.'' Anscombe didn't have to wait long to be involved. After only two minutes he was the beneficiary when the Bulls' inside backs made a mess of a simple move and he ran in from 50 metres. He struck again two minutes from the end of the first half when running on to an excellent pass from prop Pauliasi Manu to score another seven pointer. His overall contribution put veteran Bulls and Springboks first-five Morne Steyn to shame. The Bulls' game plan is a simple one and relies on their muscular forwards to overwhelm their opposites and for Steyn to kick the goals. Neither aspect lived up to expectations _ the home pack showed glimpses with their rolling mauls but Steyn was woefully off target, kicking only three from seven. While Lam was relieved with the victory, more problems could be on the way after wing Rene Ranger was sinbinned and cited for making an illegal tackle on Bjorn Basson as the Bulls wing scored in the corner in the final seconds. Referee Steve Walsh ruled Ranger did not use his arms as he charged in at speed and attempted to knock Basson into touch. With his backs reserves already low due to injuries to Isaia Toeava and Rudi Wulf, and Hobbs at home, Lam is hoping Ranger won't be suspended. "I would be disappointed if it is [a suspension]. We just have to see because we don't have too many backs here, with Michael going home.'' Ali Williams visited the sinbin in the first half for entering a maul offside and then collapsing it, and flanker Daniel Braid could have followed him after being penalised at the breakdown three times in the first 40 minutes. Walsh looked about to give him his marching orders but appeared to change his mind. Lam said he was confused by the constant penalties _ in the first half Walsh ruled against the Blues 10 times and the Bulls seven _ but maintained the high-risk game plan of moving the ball at every opportunity was carefully thought out. "We worked out the game plan on the way over in Sydney and selected the team accordingly. The boys practised it and were comfortable with it.''