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Pick up a New Zealand newspaper at the moment and there seems to be an endless number of articles lamenting the age and downfall of some of the All Black veterans.
In true New Zealand form, panic stations seem to be getting hit and every man and their dog is calling for the old heads in the team to be sent packing into early retirement. The public is crying out for Steve Hansen to bring in new blood so they have time to prepare for the World Cup defence in 2015.
I too am a little concerned about the prospects of some of the old timers making the World Cup in 2015, but one thing I have learned is that age shouldn’t be a precursor to selection and that experience is fundamental on the big occasion.
If ever an example was needed that age is merely a number, one need look no further than Brad Thorn, who was doing the business in the 2011 World Cup at the tender age of 36. In fact, two years on and only two years away from blowing 40 candles out, big bad Brad is still doing the business, standing tall and delivering in an under performing Highlanders side.
What people fail to realise and Kiwis of all people should understand, is that once the All Black jersey goes on, players suddenly find form that may have been missing in their Super Rugby seasons.
This isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, in 2012, very few of the established All Blacks had big Super campaigns, yet the All Blacks had one of their most successful seasons in the professional era.
The enigma that is Ma’a Nonu is the prime example. Nonu has been putting in consistently world-class performances for the All Blacks since 2008 whilst muddling through Super Rugby year in year out.
Though Nonu does seem desperately out of sorts in 2013, we only need to remember what playing for his country has done for him in the past and hope that the black jersey will regalvanise him once again.
Yes, he has been poor this season, but he deserves another shot in the national team to show his worth before being consigned to the scrap heap as much of NZ is calling for.
Nonu, Woodcock, Mealamu, Hore, Weepu and Conrad Smith… not all of these guys will make the next cup, some will undoubtedly fall over, though if they are managed correctly in the meantime, such is the class of these players and the international experience they possess, you would be a fool to count them out purely on the premise of age.
Some of these guys may not be in the starting side come 2015 but could still have a lot to offer the squad in a supporting capacity in much the same way as Mils Muliaina did in 2011.
Hansen has proved shrewd in his understanding of the need to blood new players and last year introduced a number of new exciting players into the side. This season will be no different and nor will 2014 for that matter which will mean that by the time the next cup does arrive the All Blacks will have a side full of players with 50-plus Test caps.
If only a few of the old guard make it to England then so be it, but provided they are in form and there is back up in younger players should an older player give in to father time, then the All Blacks will only benefit from the experience and big game temperament these guys will bring to the team.
2013 will be an interesting and exciting year for the All Blacks with plenty of challenges.
It’s time for the doom and gloom to end and for the NZ public to get in behind the team, trust the coach and back the black jersey to once again inspire and lift the players wearing it, oldies included.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.