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As expected, much has been made of the new selections included in the All Blacks squad for 2016.
The year following a World Cup has become increasingly important as the professional age develops, with the need to bring in and blood players throughout the next four-year cycle deemed essential in a team’s development.
One only needs to look back at the names included in the class of 2012, Brodie Retallick, Sam Cane, Aaron Smith, Julian Savea and Beauden Barrett, all now world class performers, to realise the importance of bringing in the new breed of talent early on in the cycle.
However, there is someone else who neither falls into the category of rookie nor veteran who could well be just about the most important player for this new All Blacks side as we head into this next World Cup cycle.
That man is Malakai Fekitoa. At 24 years old and having been in the side since his debut in 2014, Fekitoa has had to bide his time behind arguably the greatest midfield combination in All Black history. Through that time Fekitoa has racked up 13 caps in both midfield positions including being part of a successful World Cup campaign. After two years in camp, learning from the ultimate tutors in Nonu and Smith, now seems the time for Fekitoa to step up and stamp his mark on the international stage.
Though he can cover both positions, it is outside centre that seems to be Fekitoa’s natural fit. Explosive, agile and quick, the extra space at 13 affords Fekitoa the ability to use these traits and to get on the outside or seek gaps where perhaps they aren’t quite so abundant one position in. His form at 13 for the Highlanders during the past three campaigns has been outstanding, so much so that almost every time he gets his hands on the ball at Super Rugby level you expect something to happen.
Conrad Smith showed the importance of having a world class operator in that position, playing a key role in the All Blacks back-to-back triumphs. Now it is Fekitoa’s opportunity to make the jersey his own and I expect him to fully deliver on this.
Though Fekitoa’s attacking ability is unquestionable, there has been some criticism of his defence in the past.
He can be prone to lapses in his defensive reading, rushing up and out of the line and leaving his teammate s exposed. This is easily fixable however and often comes down to experience, and with more time in the jersey as well as with the coaches you would expect these deficiencies to be ironed out.
And despite the odd defensive misread, it is actually his defence that I believe can potentially become his greatest weapon for this All Blacks side. I say this because Fekitoa is physical, he can make the big hits and defensive plays like Frank Bunce and Tana Umaga so often did, and this is something the All Black coaches and Fekitoa himself will be working hard on, ensuring he knows when to go for the big tackle and when to hold off and stay within the system.
It will take a lot to step out of the long shadows cast by Smith and Nonu but the All Blacks will be backing Fekitoa to do so. I expect once Sonny Bill Williams has finished with his sevens campaign, the All Blacks will turn to a SBW–Fekitoa midfield combination, and if there is any combination that could perhaps live up to their illustrious midfield predecessors, than it is that one. A combination bristling with talent, power, skill and x-factor.
The Welsh midfield in Roberts and Davies are a class act and will ask many questions of their new-look All Black opposites. It will be interesting to see how the man I believe will become an integral cog of this All Black machine reacts and equips himself in this first step of his real All Black journey.
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.