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The All Blacks squad has been announced to play Wales in New Zealand over three Tests.
They still retain the blend of older experienced players and now the addition of several new ones. The sad truth is that there are many players on the other side of the wire who could have so easily been selected.
Everybody has an opinion as to who should be there, and many discussions occur between the armchair selectors enjoying a cold beer.
Some players, old and new, are a shoe-in while some players who have yet to prove themselves over more than one or two seasons in the cauldron of Super Rugby, and generally become the controversial selections.
To play at this level when one is so young speaks highly of the ability of that individual. However, there is a difference between the playing at national level and levels below it.
Many young players who have the ability to develop and play at this national level still need to obtain the knowledge over more than one or two seasons, especially from the ‘school of hard knocks’ at the Super Rugby level, to justify their selection.
A national team cannot afford to carry a developing player who has yet to learn all aspects of positional play that is expected of him, unless that national team is obviously superior and playing a much weaker opposition.
In the eyes of the selectors this may be the reason for that selection – to “bloody” him at that level. Selectors review video footage of games but when undue focus is placed on players by commentators who talk them up, more often than not they are the bolter of the selected group.
Is the commentator therefore the fourth selector?
There is always the argument that by introducing a young new player early to the national team, allows that player to develop and have longevity.
It can however also have the opposite effect especially if that player does not mentally mature to the environment he is in.
The naming of past or present individuals that fit within this plus or minus group would not be conducive here but suffice to say it has been observed and commented on by many.
Handling pressure? Some will, some won’t. Some do, some don’t. Therefore, is the selection of a very young player to the national team beneficial or not?
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.