Super Rugby
Mealamu hits out at misfiring Weepu
ESPNscrum Staff
April 11, 2012
The Blues' Piri Weepu takes on the Hurricanes' defence, Blues v Hurricanes, Super Rugby, Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand, March 23, 2012
Piri Weepu has struggled for form and fitness since joining the Blues © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Keven Mealamu | Piri Weepu
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Teams: Blues | New Zealand

Blues skipper Keven Mealamu has turned up the heat on misfiring All Black Piri Weepu, criticising his lack of conditioning and fitness.

Weepu made the switch from the Hurricanes to Auckland in the off-season, having helped New Zealand win the Rugby World Cup last year, but he has failed to make an impact at his new franchise.

Mealamu lamented the fact that they have not been able to call on a major talent due to a lack of fitness, with the Blues currently nursing a dire record of five losses from six starts this season.

"He's a player that we can definitely do with out there. He's probably not in the top condition that he's been in his career and that's what we really need from him, to be at that top fitness level," Mealamu told Radio Sport.

"If he'd turned up in better condition then he'd be able to contribute more to us. That's something he's going to have to look at, we're going to have to look at as well. We're all professionals here, we should never have to turn up in that sort of shape."

Weepu returned to Wellington last weekend to play club rugby for Wainuiomata after limited game-time in the Blues' loss to the Melbourne Rebels on Thursday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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