The All Blacks will be grateful they learned a lesson last time with five-eighth Aaron Cruden set to miss their Rugby World Cup title defence.
Cruden is to undergo a knee reconstruction after being diagnosed with a ruptured ACL suffered in the Chiefs’ Super Rugby win against the Crusaders on Friday.
It’s a significant blow for the World Cup favourites, but not nearly as severe as it could have been if they had not been at pains to boost their stock of seasoned playmakers to cover just such an event.
It’s a lesson coach Steve Hansen took from the successful 2011 World Cup campaign when New Zealand’s bid was threatened by their longtime over-dependence on playmaking great Dan Carter, who was ruled out by injury in mid-campaign.
Hansen has been at pains to ensure he has plenty of options for the crucial role, sharing the workload and even taking four five eighths – Cruden, Carter, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade – on the northern hemisphere tour late last year.
As Carter’s star has waned with repeated injuries in recent seasons, Cruden has become a key figure, accumulating 37 Test caps since his debut in 2010.
Carter, the 33-year-old veteran of 102 caps since 2002, has been quietly working his way back from injury and still appeals as the man for the biggest moments – but that depends on him recapturing his former spark.
Exciting 23-year-old Hurricanes five-eighth Barrett now has 28 Test caps since debuting in 2012 and is performing like a seasoned pro.
Slade, the Crusaders current pivot, has 17 caps and looms as a handy and versatile back up option.
And then there is talented Highlanders playmaker Lima Sopoaga who has begun impressing selectors with his more mature game as he steers a winning Super Rugby team this season.
“(The injury) is obviously hugely disappointing for Crudes (Cruden),” said Hansen in a statement.
“There are always going to be injuries, and as selectors we plan for these unfortunate events and are constantly looking to build depth in all positions across the team.”
Sylvester
Guest
And Carter is selected at 12 again for the Blues match. You can't really blame Blackadder for looking after his own interests.
Magnus
Guest
Yes carter is written off he wouldn't even make a start in an itm side he's well and truly busted
Magnus
Guest
Dagg / sopoaga no 1 Barrett 3 slade 4 carter absolutely no where he is completely busted how anyone keeps talking about him for wc must be watching footage from 2010 early 2011 it sure ain't anything since the , comparing sopaonga to carter is like comparing pha lap to mister Ed . This talk from nz reporters on carter being in squad is misguided and plain wrong hansen said 2years ago he would tap players on shoulder if they had fallen away , that's precisely no one . If he wanted to do something decisive he should tell New Zealand right now he's not going to pick him , throw in woodcock c smith Jane mealamu , do nz rugby a favour and show some leadership
Taylorman
Guest
Cruden was the incumbent. He was selected against England where Carter got the Scotland game and played poorly. Carter hasn't done anything this year to change that. Cruden would have been the first choice 10. Has been for two years.
Taylorman
Guest
I wouldn't go quite that far but there are aspects to Crudens game that Carter never had and that is the taking the ball to the line more regularly and consistently, probing the opposition deliberately for weaknesses. Carter as an individual had impeccable timing and intuition that he so easily found himself in places of advantage with ease. Saw a cameo of Carters earlier days (pre last two years) and we've seen nothing like the the old Carter for a long time now. If Blackadder has any sense he will play DC at 10 from this weekend because he knows how important it is for Carter to be given every chance with Cruden out. He's not injured so has no excuses. He needs to step up and playing him at 12 or resting him will just frustrate him. And An in form DC is one way the Saders can retain a slim hope of qualifying.
Old Bugger
Guest
L_P Good comments.
Old Bugger
Guest
lassitude Read the comments - the reference was pre-2011 RWC and the Saders impact on NZ RWC rugby since their first SR trophy back in 1998 and a correlation with this years upcoming effort. I did suggest the ABs may become ever more reliant on Sader participation but right now, I'd have more faith in other franchise players instead of Sader players.....but, that's just my thoughts.
Taylorman
Guest
Good way to change the subject, yet to hear one single instance of where Joubert went wrong. Just a bland...joubert favoured the AB's ...join the queue.nand every response to the penalty is always the 'evening up' of the earlier, irrelevant, unclear sideline incident.
Taylorman
Guest
What are you on about? Cruden was home for the ban for the late night out.
Debz
Guest
My thoughts exactly! If anyone can bounce back from this early it's Cruden.
Debz
Guest
Piri Weepu ;)
lassitude
Guest
Tough on Cruden but I'm not certain he'd have been picked anyway unless Carter was out. His kicking isn't good enough or long enough for WC knockout football. Have a sneaking suspicion that Slade is the (not-so) dark horse.
lassitude
Guest
So you don't think the 2011 win was based on a Crusaders core ? and an, essentially, Crusaders template ?
Shane D
Roar Rookie
Shame for Cruden but I have little concern about DC being able to do the job. Likewise both Barrett & Slade are capable of performing at 10 at test level. My concern is how the loss of Cruden impacts the way the AB's want to play, specifically his combination with SBW. Cruden is by far the best 10 we have at wrapping around SBW & picking up offloads. SBW understandably is most comfortable with his Chiefs playmaker beside him. I feel that the loss of Cruden lessens a strong attacking point that the AB's would have wanted to use to break open tight RWC defences.
Jerry
Guest
Maybe they should try beating them in Australia first. Baby steps....
abc
Guest
I think Wallabies will beat the All Blacks on a Neutral Venue.
Old Bugger
Guest
MM He just happens to be up against some real quality centres with older heads on young shoulders such as Charlie Ngatai and Nanai-Williams. He's young, he's learning and his time will come. I thought he's done pretty good so far in the few starts he's had so, he'll be much better for those experiences.
Mad Mick
Guest
Whats happened to Tamanivalu. he seems to have gone very quiet after sensational ITM. I thought he would have a huge season outside of SBW
Nick
Guest
Cruden was no where near the best in 2011. Carter bossed the pool match against the French, just owned the field. THAT was the main reason the country flipped out when he went down, because his form was so good in that RWC.
Nick
Guest
"As the manager of a backline, Cruden, with the Chiefs and the ABs, has reached heights Dan has never achieved at any point in his career" This is such nonsense i don't even know where to begin.