One of the interesting subplots in 2015 was always going to be the contest between Ma’a Nonu and Sonny Bill Williams for the All Black number 12 jersey.
The two will hopefully go head to head this weekend when Nonu’s Hurricanes take on Williams’ Chiefs and it will surely be the headline individual battle in a game between two of the form sides of the competition.
Judging on form this season as well as previous performances in Test match rugby, if I was Steve Hansen I would have Nonu well and truly fixed in as my number 12 heading into the World Cup.
Nonu is an interesting character, a player who cops his fair share of criticism from the public, in large part due to his Super Rugby form, or lack of it, in recent seasons. As a result of this, he is probably a player who doesn’t command quite the level of respect that would normally be commensurate with what he has achieved during his career, one in which he has arguably established himself as one of All Black rugbys greatest number 12’s.
He may have had a few seasons of largely nondescript Super Rugby form, but what is indisputable is his class and ability when it comes to international rugby. In fact, since 2008 Nonu would have to have been one of the most consistent and valuable players in Test match rugby. Time and time again he has delivered in the black jersey and certainly during that period of time you would struggle to find a better 12 in the international game.
What has been pleasing this year is that Nonu is playing with the hunger and class in Super Rugby that he used to play with and that he shows so consistently on the international stage.
He is in great form and obviously reinvigorated by his move back to the Hurricanes and no doubt motivated to hold onto his beloved All Black jersey in this his final year of international rugby.
I am not saying that the battle is over for the All Black number 12 jersey but I do feel that for Williams to usurp Nonu he is going to have to really step it up over the coming months and deliver some truly special performances. Williams himself has been playing well this year without setting the house on fire.
He is however a top class athlete and one that thrives on the big stage and undoubtedly offers something unique to the sides he is playing in, he will want to make a statement this weekend.
I just feel that in big games he can be exposed a little, in that he probably doesn’t quite have the array of skills and understanding of the game that a player like Nonu does.
In a World Cup knock out match midfield defences are going to make their tackles, tactics would be refined to counter the off load, and facing an umbrella defence rushing up, would Williams have the ability and nous to dink a little kick in behind or throw a lobbed miss pass to find his winger?
I am not so sure?
There is no doubt that his offload is unparalleled in the game but an offload is not always the right decision. At times I am still not convinced that Williams has the inbuilt rugby knowledge that would ordinarily be moulded and honed by years of playing in the same position, to make the correct decision.
He is a huge man and at times it would be nice to see him forget about the offload and just go forward, as he is a player who has the ability to get his side over the advantage line every time he gets his hands on the ball.
It will be an interesting battle this weekend and one that is sure to continue throughout the year but for now, I would have the 94-Test veteran Nonu well out in front in the race for that coveted starting spot.
Harry Jones
Expert
What a NZ problem to have. Nonu or SBW. In SA, we have: Mangled old Jean or novice Damian or reluctant Frans or crashball Jan.
Sylvester
Guest
Dagg's injury was quite untimely. He looked back to his best. I wouldn't be unhappy to see Barrett get more game time at fullback if he's not going to be the preferred 10.
Sylvester
Guest
Dagg had a good crack and should have taken him. He does tend to fall off tackles like that though.
Mad Mick
Guest
e.g Broadhurst? Coltman?
Birdy
Guest
I'd be careful not to read too much into the May miss. Jonny May has not got the sharpest rugby brain in the world, but when he is in full flight (as he was by the time he got near Smith and Dagg) there are very few quicker. He already had a head of steam up and most wingers are hard to collar in space in that scenario let alone someone as quick as May.
Taylorman
Guest
Hansen looked as though he had it all sorted in 2013. But in 2014 there were so many injuries and mishaps everyone was everywhere. Wayne Smith believe the ABs have 20% improvement in them this year in terms of decision making and execution so those are the sorts of comments that leave you with confidence. Being able to apply a holistic view through the analysis means they'll know the right players, combinations and processes to achieve that 20 %. They don't just pluck these figures out of the air so although we are having a stab at who we think will be there their analysis will be throwing up the names like a popcorn machine.
Mad Mick
Guest
Not bothered I notice you mentioned Billy Vunipola. Not to labor the point he is number 8 you know. and we were comparing 12s. However, how far did he bend the line when Patrick T got hold of him.? The only thing that was bent were Billy's rib cage and his sense of where he was. I think Billy will have an eye out for Patrick next time. I also think that once Patrick gets away from the blues and is in camp with the ABs his form will improve and he will be a sensation at WC.
machpants
Guest
Barrett at 15, Slade at 10 (or Carter if he keeps going/depending in opposition). Then Ben and Julian as wingers. ABs play great with two pivots on the field
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep so do I. Can't see it any other way. Dagg or Smith interchanging at 15/14 is fine, and would depend on Daggs form at FB, something he's proven folks wrong before so he has it in him. None of them kick so we need Slade or Barrett starting at 10, the other as sub for either 10 or the back 3. (DC and Sapoaga other options/ in the mix) We do need a back up wing? Piutau, Naholo, Lowe, Jane etc... good options no matter how you look at it..but thats only half the job...
Jerry
Guest
Is SBW a better wing than Israel Dagg is at fullback? Probably not. I reckon the first choice back 3 will be Savea, B Smith, Dagg. Smith's the best fullback, but he's also the best right wing so it then comes down to Dagg v whoever at right wing and Dagg's boot is very important to the AB's game plan.
Highlander
Guest
Fair Question NB, Don't disagree, both will play and play well, however while both are strong ball carriers it is fair to say either of them are quick. Pace is the one thing that you cant coach and in my view is a major differentiator, and one of the reasons the ABs can differentiate themselves from the current forwards at SA, Eng, Aus and France. Pace in the your Eight makes it so much harder for sides to regroup on defence or slow ruck ball you don't break the line by 2-3 metres but by 5-10 (or more) So back to my original point, if we didn't have pace to burn in other areas of the forward pack, I would not play Kaino and McCaw together simply for balance reasons, that's why Cane, Messam or Vito are super important off the bench for me - all are v quick
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep there are options, though personally I'm against selections that have a 'just to get him on the field' ring to them. We wouldnt do it in a normal test so why play players out of position in crucial world cup matches? We did it with Cullen and at centre. Tuilagi was put on the wing versus NZ last year to fit in returning players and that went terribly. Select the team with the best players for the position and train and play them there. Where they're injured get the next selected for the position. That way you maintain continuity. Players play where they expect to play. If SBW is to play wing in the World cup knockouts, then play him there now, not as an afterthought to have as many 'threatening guys on the park' as a gut reaction at time. There's a very good reason for thorough planning. There might be a scenario that warrants it- ie SBW stars the life out of the tournament an Savea gets injured- do we play SBW or say Lowe, who has played well as Saveas second, next match on the wing? They just need to be sure they weigh up the consequences of surprise or kneejerk decisions.
Lara
Guest
Try Nonu and Williams as a impact player with Savea or B Smith running off Nonu shoulder late in game.
Edward Pye
Roar Guru
Nobody has mentioned that the ABs have a spot on the wing open - if they want the best players on the field then SBW may find himself on the wing. It will mean that they will lose a bit of finishing pace, but compared to what SB can create, then it's a fair trade off.
Taylorman
Guest
Well in between tests he travelled back to NZ and back and anyone who's done that in such a quick turnaround will know the toll it takes so perhaps his instincts were in short supply as well. dagg was nearly as bad but by then may was at full tip, dagg had to turn so all round May just blitzed them both with the adrenaline he was on. Great try though.
Mad Mick
Guest
Its time SBW put in an 80 min. The match callers call a small contribution from Williams as though hes the only one capable of such deeds meanwhile Nonu is trucking it up for the full 80. Give me Ma Nonu as first choice 12 SBW get to work and show us what you've got.
ben
Guest
Yes...and played in france and japan during our off season and was straight back...your point?
44bottles
Roar Guru
He was given a sabbatical? Not sure how that's relevant.
Rugby Tragic
Guest
I agree Sylvester, he never got near him but he was going forward and a winger with s head of sream is always going to get round a No 13 with so much space. Actually, I think the bigger miss in that run was by Dagg, I felt that he should of had May with the sideline and narrower space as hiss allies.
Sylvester
Guest
I've never seen Smith get beaten the way he did against May, which is why I think it was just a bad read rather than a sign of ageing legs.