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.
CUW
Guest
SBW and a fit Again RANGER - that would send shivers among other backs :D Moala is a wing , maybe next year he will be where he belongs . when Ranger was fit Moala was on the bench , right? Moala is a better wing then Li. if he learns to come in like Savea and nandolo, Moala can be a nice option at blues and all blacks.
CUW
Guest
yes. i heard during the U20 that he is not from Canterbury , but Robertson was so impressed, he asked Goodhue to come there and then gave a contract to Crusaders as well. if Robertson is convinced , who am i to argue? :D
CUW
Guest
FIJI already have a mean team . problem is most of their players are overseas based and come a week or two before a tour / tournament . if they can play together / against each other a lot more often , they would be a great team capable of challenging the top teams. teams like NZ SA OZ ENG WALes are good becoz most of their test players are at home playing with / against each other and then in camps for longer. rugger is a cohesive game , not like cricket where each one does his thing. u need close relationships in the field and familiarity among each other.
Bob East
Guest
Thanks appreciate the replys. With a bit of financial help to retain players, Fiji would have a mean team.
DanFan
Guest
Which is a shame as a player of his quality deserves to be in a team like the ABs
taylorman
Roar Guru
Buckman has more of a following than the five or so others you name, who are either new or past it in terms of the AB jersey...Fruean will never be an All Black for all his abilities due to his medical issues, and I did say he was on the outer. Ioane just looks like more of a Centre to me, more instinct and time for options than a winger. Can see he and SBW forming a good pairing at the Blues next year, where they have other wing options, Centre not so much. Think he'd make a more versatile 13 than Moala but it's all in the tea leaves for now, though for me Ioane stands out most as the biggest star potential by far.
CUW
Guest
this from WIKI "" Ratu Nemani Driu Nasiganiyavi was born in Sigatoka, Fiji (born 31 January 1988). At three months of age he moved to Brisbane, Australia where his father, Isei Nasiganiyavi, played rugby for Queensland. He changed his name to Nemani Nadolo later as an adult, adopting his mother's maiden name in 2009. He attended Nudgee College, and was selected for the Queensland Schoolboys rugby team in 2005. He is the older brother of Chris Kuridrani (formerly Kirisi Nasiganiyavi) and the cousin of Tevita Kuridrani and Lote Tuqiri. "" Kirisi Nasiganiyavi was born in Brisbane (born 12 December 1991), where his father Isei Nasiganiyavi played rugby for Queensland. He is the younger brother of Nemani Nadolo (formerly Ratu Nasiganiyavi before he adopted their mother's maiden name of Nadolo in 2009).
Jerry
Guest
Grew up in Aus, but born in Fiji.
RedandBlack
Guest
Yes - Faddes - too early for him no doubt but he really impressed me in that Crusaders match - he beat his man by stepping on the inside - twice - you don't often see that now days and to do ti twice for a bloke who's been playing wing was seriously impressive.
ClarkeG
Guest
is Goodhue the Crusader you are thinking of?
Not Bothered
Guest
Born in Aus, grew up in Aus, Fijian parents, played for Fiji.
ClarkeG
Guest
If your only concern is the All Blacks then yes an overview would be sensible but of course the All Blacks are not the only consideration in NZ Rugby.
chracol
Guest
Yep, the title says it all. The Wales team has some big and experienced boyos out wide so he'll have a good opportunity to show whether he becomes a fixture. He should go okay but of course that's not enough. He has to be excellent.
wardad
Guest
Do you mean Nadolo ? Hes already capped for Fiji I think .
Cam Avery
Roar Guru
MM - I hear what you are saying re world cup cycles but like it or not I think it is now pretty much part of every teams thinking.. You need experience to win world cups so if guys aren't going to make the next one bringing in talent earlier on in the cycle will pay dividends come world cup time. I suppose that is the thinking anyway! There has been a fair bit in the NZ media but mainly around the midfield and new selections. 7 of the 8 world cup winning pack should start the first test. I am not sure enough is being made of the goal kicking issue. Tight test matches are often won on goal kicking and Sopoanga excluded the other candidates have been pretty aweful in super rugby. Barrett is totally hit and miss, exclude the pun!
CUW
Guest
Buckman? nah he is like Cummins of auzzy , a great fan-favorite but not from the top drawer. Moala shud move back to wing , where his style is better suited. Reiko will be a wing in the short term IMO; his pace and ability to beat people on the outside + his defensive liabilities will keep him there for a while. Faddes is a wild card - he is quick seriously. but he needs to play center long term and play few consistent games in a row. there are others like Pita Ahki, currently with 7S. there is Anton Linert Brown, There is Matt Proctor, there is the 2015 U20 VC who did not play for crusaders this year becoz of injury (but highly rated by canterbury). there is Robbie Freuen and Sean Wainui , who have not featured much at crusaders. probably they will get more game next year with Fonotia leaving.
CUW
Guest
he will defend better and also his involvements in rucks will be differnt. dont think his speed has changed or increased. but he will have more stamina , if he continues the 7S style training :)
CUW
Guest
@ Wal while defensively Crotty and Feki may be neat , the ball carrying threat of NONU is missed. the MIB selectors are on that page when they selected MOALA as the cover for NGATAI. anyway this is a temporary issue , as SBW will be back from RIO to take the 12 position.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Ha ha, true. After all a combination is really just more than one player working together. Sure is amazing to have the likes of Fek, Crotty, Seti, Moala, SBW, Ngatai and with Reiko Ioane, who I think will be Centre, Buckman and Faddes on the outer, Hansen by a bit of future proofing and a good run of new midfielders must be happy with his midfield options for a good few years now.
Old Bugger
Guest
Cam From my viewpoint, I don't really have any concern about Feks not, stepping up to the mark. On the contrary, my concern is that he may be too exuberant once he steps onto the paddock. As t-man mentioned above, he sometimes has that tendency to do things solo whether he's rushing through on defence or stepping away from his outsides. I'm hoping that Crotty does get the IC start and acts a role of settling Feks to pick his moments and not try everything, at once. IMO, this is what happens when players get combinations with other players - they know how and when to try something without consoling each other and just react to each other, from a 6th sense view. I'm sure, Feks will step up.....what I'm not sure about is how far and how high, he wants to step. Step within himself and he will gain the confidence to decide and make, the greater and higher step.....and be reassured that once he decides, he won't have to turn to see, if Crotty will be beside him.......that, will be the given, for a no-look pass. Huh - combinations...!! Who needs them aye...??