Hammett: Hard-working Anscombe will need time to learn

Hammett, whose arrival was delayed until the conclusion of the Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes, will touch down in Cardiff next week to start plotting a path for success.

The Blues' hopes for next season certainly received a boost with the addition of Kiwi utility back Anscombe, who has appeared at Under-20 level for the All Blacks.

And though Hammett has warned fans it could take a while for the 23-year-old to warm up in a different league, he believes his will to win will fit in with the new regime at Arms Park.

"He will need some time because it is a different game in the northern hemisphere," Hammett told Wales Online.

"I certainly hope there is not too much expectation and pressure placed on him because the other thing is that he is a young man, only 23.

"He's a talented footballer and he's played lots of footy for a young guy, but he just wants to improve.

"And that is what has impressed us most about him, his desire to learn the game. He's an extremely hard worker and that's all you can ask.

"I was only speaking to (former New Zealand assistant coach) Wayne Smith about Gareth a couple of days ago and Wayne spoke really highly of him."

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