Perofeta, 25, is DHL Super Rugby Pacific’s leading points scorer and on the brink of a century with 99 points this season after adding 18 during the Blues 53-26 demolition of the Reds at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Blues fullback’s tally against the Reds included five conversions, a penalty and a try, while he also put on a perfect chip kick for Barrett to score in the second half to illustrate the pair’s ability to quickly relay information to each other and their teammates as matches unfold.
“I enjoy playing 10, calling the shots and seeing space tighter, but when I’m at the back [playing fullback] it’s quite good having Baz [Barrett] at 10 because we feed off each other. I’m giving him the info he needs from fullback and also understanding that when I’m the one at 10, he’s giving me those comms to get the ball to space or kick to space.
“I feel there is a good cohesion between all of our backline. All the boys have been learning off him [Barrett] as well. It’s his tactical game management, the way he presents information, and how he’s composed the whole game, whether we are winning or we are behind. His communication is clear, it’s quite simple. The boys trust that and are learning off him as well.”
Perofeta’s 45th minute grubber for Barrett’s try was a prime example.
“It’s part of our skill set. We practice a lot of kicking as a backs unit and we take pride in our skill set. Daniel Halangahu [Assistant Coach] is setting up our drills at training and making sure we nail those small skills so they count in those moments. It was off the back of a good break and the communication was top notch. Baz called it early and I knew it [the space] was there.”
But Perofeta’s not getting carried away despite the Blues sitting atop the DHL Super Rugby Pacific points table.
“It starts Monday. Our preparation is pretty honest, no stone is unturned. We are holding each other accountable. We are taking the good things, but our growth is about how we can get better. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it’s about how we can nail each moment, stack each moment.”