Rugby: Perofeta keen to play before seasons end

Will Johnston 

Photo by LDV Photography

Stephen Perofeta is itchy to get back out on the rugby field.  

The All Black and Taranaki fullback has been sidelined since playing in a portion of the two test matches against England in July.  

Since then, he’s watched his National Provincial Championship side eye up a home quarter-final with the hope of defending the competition title.  

While he’s been training with Taranaki during the campaign, Perofeta is making sure he continues his recovery for a potential return before the end of the competition.   

“I’ve been getting through two weeks of full training and ticking off the boxes around contact and the running load side of things,” he told Mediaworks. “It’s feeling a lot better.”  

The majority of his recovery is focused on rest and strengthening the calf with calf raises, stretching and specific treatment so he can build his running load.  

“It’s been a process, but it’s going to be well worth it.”  

Injuries have plagued Perofeta’s season. During the Blues championship-winning Super Rugby season, he dealt with a shoulder injury limiting his game time.  

But if his recovery goes well, he’s “chasing a game” before the end of the season. Time is running though out as Taranaki only play one regular season match away to Tasman – a potential Ranfurly Shield match – before the quarterfinals.  

After watching Taranaki’s season from the sideline, he’s likes what he’s seen as the team are playing an exciting and enterprising style of rugby.  

He said the historic victory against Hawke’s Bay in Napier has been a foundation to build from where the team are taking positives out of that win to move forward in the competition.  

“The feet are very itchy at the moment, especially seeing the boys doing their work and playing some quality footy, I’m really wanting to get back out there, but it’s all in good time.”  

As a senior player in the team, Perofeta is taking a leading role where he can during team reviews and trainings.  

“I will chirp in with my two cents, they’ve got good help around them with the likes of the other boys who have been around for a few years. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel or change much, it’s just the little things that can help.”  

There is an emphasis on breeding the next generation of players, he said, evident with the way coach Neil Barnes has given younger players opportunities, whether that’s starting or using them off the bench.  

As for a potential selection in the All Blacks end-of-year tour squad, Perofeta said his focus is getting back on the field confidentially, whether it’s in the pivot position or at fullback.  

“I want to get the lungs going. I’ll work on 15 but if I’m needed at 10, I will focus on that.”