Former rugby league great Benji Marshall admits he still has plenty to learn but is pleased with his debut Super Rugby cameo in Dunedin.

Marshall played the last 21 minutes of the Blues’ 29-21 loss to the Highlanders on Saturday, injected at fullback when coach Sir John Kirwan moved impressive No.15 Charles Piutau to centre.

The 28-year-old had played at five-eighth in the Blues’ three pre-season games but says fullback felt like a natural fit after entering the game with the home side ahead 29-7.

“I feel I can cover both positions but probably feel more comfortable at No.15 at the moment,” he said.

“It’s tough watching. I just tried to add a bit of spark and do what I could to get the boys up. I’ve got a lot to learn but I feel I’m taking steps in the right direction.”

Marshall wasn’t tested defensively but had plenty of touches on attack, often trying to put runners into gaps.

He was successful when sending No.8 Peter Saili clear 50m out, ultimately resulting in a try to reserve lock Patrick Tuipulotu.

“I probably got caught running sideways a couple of times but I thought I made a pretty solid impact.”

Kirwan was pleased with Marshall’s contribution, although he suggested the former Kiwis and Wests Tigers star will be a bench proposition rather than starter over coming weeks.

Kirwan was disappointed with the slow start which had the Blues trailing 24-0 at halftime.

“We showed incredible courage in the second spell and, if we can play like that for the full 80 minutes, we’ll be in the contest.

“We didn’t deserve to win but I thought we deserved a point. Not getting anything from the game hurt a bit.”

Blues captain Luke Braid suffered a high ankle sprain in the final minutes and was assisted from the field.

He will be assessed on Sunday.