Aussies target Baby Blacks star

There is significant interest from Australian Super 14 sides for New Zealand's IRB Junior Player of the Year, Aaron Cruden, which could in turn lead to him playing for the Wallabies rather than the All Blacks.

Cruden, currently with Manawatu is being chased by Auckland as well as other big New Zealand provinces but his agent Bruce Sharrock warned that there's been a strong approach from Australian sides.

"The real threat to New Zealand rugby at the moment I believe is from our neighbours," Sharrock told Sunday News.

"There is nothing to stop any of those young men from going to Australia.

"I was approached by all but one of the Australian franchises about all Under-20 players prior to them departing. So they're on to it. They're looking to recruit."

The Australian Rugby Union changed their laws last year to allow their Super 14 sides to recruit one marquee overseas player, plus one young overseas player who it would be hoped would play for the Wallabies in the future.

But it would be a step further than Australia has ever taken before to grab a player like Cruden.

IRB rules are powerless to stop Australian raids.

"It's not until you play sevens, for the Junior All Blacks or the national side that you're captured for eligibility," Sharrock said.

"There is definitely a changing landscape. I think it presents a lot of opportunities but no one really knows what the game is going to look like in the future because there are so many unknowns.

"But it's all good for a guy like Aaron, in that he can continue with what he's doing, and I'm sure he won't be short of options."

However, New Zealand teams wouldn't let Cruden go without a fight.

"It was already there but what it did do though was cement for a few the real quality that he is," Sharrock said.

"There is a long way to go from Under 20s to Super 14 level and no one is getting ahead of themselves at this stage but needless to say it's all very encouraging."