If Saturday is moving day in golf tournaments, then the second year after a rugby world cup appears to be the time to put your hand up, get a crack at the big jersey and see if you can get on the Rugby World Cup Express.
In 2017 no fewer than 55 men wore the black jersey of New Zealand, a number inflated by the trial run nature of the French XV mid-week match. However a string of injuries and external events saw a number of first-choice players absent for extended periods, their replacements were elevated, and thus spots on the bench and in the wider squad became open.
Coach Steve Hansen, to his credit, stuck with a predetermined rotation plan and had to go deeper into his roster than he ever thought likely, but he also ensured that his bench players received significant minutes no matter the opposition or the state of any individual match. That can take real courage and faith in your players. Kudos Sir Shag.
The bench use minutes of the Rugby Championship backed this up, 350 minutes more than his South African counterpart.
But what is the use of testing greater depth if that deep dive doesn’t discover a diamond or two? So how well did Coach Hansen and his assistant team do?
The darkness seal of approval
Here are some of those who are not only set for a long stint in the Black, but who will keep their rivals honest in the lead-up to Japan.
Jordie Barrett – Taranaki water, gotta buy the rights to that somehow. A few rough edges but when you debut against the Lions it’s expected. Talent to burn, and big and fast with it.
Liam Squire – from peripheral squad member to starter, love his aggression, needs to find that balance to both hit and carry in the same game.
Rieko Ioane – if you displace the Bus you must be doing okay. I hear good things and I think he might just make it going forward. And he’s only 20.
(AAP Image/Dean Lewins)
Kane Hames – He’s a disruptive little man, never gives a tight-head a second off, will be our bench loosie when Moody returns.
Nepo Laulala – a destructive tighthead – hurrah! – back from injury, looking good, partnership with Hames never bested this year
Waisake Naholo – just starting to feel like he is comfortable in the jersey now, outrageous try scoring rate in Super Rugby and is transferring that upwards now. Two top drawer finishes against Wales.
David Havili – time, time, time, the kid looks like he has tons of it and that can’t be coached.
Richie Mo’unga – learnt quickly at the Lions ‘up in your face’ school, far more assured since.
Luke Whitelock – yes, I know he had a cap before, but this is the only guy who even looks like a potential back up for the captain.
Insufficient data, captain
Jack Goodhue, Dillon Hunt and Asafo Aumua are all being watched.
We’ve seen glimpses of the future from all named here and it’s very very good, but what I think is most impressive from this little group is how they look completely assured every time they walk out on the park.
Must improve – and fast
Those named here have lots of good stuff, but with flaws that will continue to get exposed at the very top level.
Scott Barrett – I can see a sort of rugby limbo opening where a player will not be big enough for a lock nor dynamic enough to be a back rower. SB seems to fit this label perfectly.
Damien McKenzie – this one will divide the nation more than the flag referendum. No-one else on this earth scores the try he did in South Africa, just outrageous. But running sideways and poor decision-making put New Zealand under all sorts of pressure this season. I for one am just not seeing the trade off as worth it yet.
Vaea Fifita – Coach Hansen has been very clear here – hit more rucks, don’t walk past any, knock people over. He’s not doing it yet.
Ngani Laumape – No one wants to tackle this guy, ever. All the bits are there just got to put them together. Defensive reads will be his big work on in 2018, he won’t nail down a midfield spot without this improving.
And it’s time to go
Patrick Tuipulotu – too many times in the team and not enough impact.
Mitch Drummond – hope you enjoyed it Mitch but it’s time to go.
Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen – we cannot have Super Rugby’s most penalised prop in the jersey, just don’t think he has the scrum skills needed.
Akira Ioane – one more upright ball carry and I’ll kick him myself. Not AB ready yet. Did ok in France but would be selected on trust if picked again.
adastra32
Guest
Which one was it? Watch more than one. There are different teams who play different styles.
Tylorman
Guest
Watched one today, all push and shove and fall over the line stuff.
John R
Roar Guru
That'd be the sensible way to bring him in no doubt hey. That's a fair point on the body hey, can't just keep that up forever!
cuw
Guest
i am interested in the Chiefs Levi Aumua. the commentary said he is 116kg - so he is much like Mathieu Bastareaud in centers. will be fun when he goes up against SBW or Laumape :)
Old Bugger
Guest
Guys For me, I can't wait to see what impact the JV between TVNZ and Spark, can do for NZ Rugby. If their streamlining approach provides FTA transmission of the RWC, then the opportunities to expand throughout NZ's own domestic rugby competitions, could be substantial. Hints of substantiveness creating NZU's own domestic competitions to go from semi-pro to full-pro competitions, would be a potential answer to the constant flight of its own players, going overseas. Early days perhaps but, NZU's efforts to retain its leading players against going overseas, just may have some light, at the end of the tunnel. And, if it proves to be, is there an opportunity for the NZ teams to reverse the cycle and pursue 2 international players each, to sign up and play, in an NZ rugby competition?? Another bonus, is we have more teams which requires more coaches so hopefully, NZ's coaching intellect, could also remain in-house. Gees, I'm not getting any younger so, my wishful thought would be to see this eventuality happen, within the next decade.......puhleeeeeeese!!
cuw
Guest
true that but then he was in as the "apprentice" and played off the bench for B team. i doubt the coaches will give him starting spot from match one. simple reason is he has done nothing at super rugger level YET. but by mid season he may go to the top of the tree - if he proves he can handle it. also he plays crash and burn rugger. like a little Jordan Taufua. how long can u do that to the body?
cuw
Guest
" Now the NH is providing that escape to a better living, even if the rugbys not as good. " oh boy , it is good IF u know which teams to watch :) and it is brutal - lot more injuries in NH and not all of it becoz ' They dont know proper technique' reasoning. a lot more big guys up there. for eg. Will Skelton has lost 17kg to keep up to pace :P
cuw
Guest
that one looked as if a few suits from SUITS had a chat over tea with them. they were probably told to stay out of it, becoz of politics. the issue at the center was that Samoa and WR argued who is responsible for the situ and accusations why neither has done something to make it right. this is similar to the interviews of former Captain , who said the players are afraid to talk becoz of the threat that they will be sacked. it is really admirable that those guys want to play for their country despite all the rubbish. what has not been reported widely is the impasse between the German players , their union and their sponsors. it is very much like Samoa and then some.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yep I think the SH is going through what Auckland rugby went through in the early pro years. The options opened up. Auckland was no longer the team to make at all costs. Now the NH is providing that escape to a better living, even if the rugbys not as good. But being left in the dirt now are the Island nations and now these guys can afford the pay cut to ensure theyre country is well represented. Cant tell me theyre happy to play in the hustle of the NH rather than with their own people. The spinoffs for a successfull World cup must be great.
Old Bugger
Guest
I understand TM so just to add - the rules have been relaxed more, than what they were 5yrs ago - then, it was a player could not change colours if, they have already played under, another national colour. Now, with the advent of the Olympics, a 3yr international stand-down period, players possessing dual passports and an opportunity to play 15s after they play in 2 rounds of 7s IOC qualifications, then players can become available to play for a 2nd nation after initially representing, another nation. It may sound convoluted in procedure but, the 3yrs stand-down will still allow players the possibility, to play at consecutive RWC comps, for different nations so, that's a plus aye?? However, the problem that I see, is players being able to catch the IOC qualification matches, for 7s representation. This is the clincher cos the IOC Games, are out of sequence with the RWC comp hence, the 3yr stand-down period, could well be the game-stopper. Personally, I think these rules will only encourage more players, to be recruited to play domestic rugby abroad hence increasing the burden upon countries like AU and NZ more than anything and who by and large, will have players who can represent two nations, at RWC comps.
Highlander
Guest
See if you can find the interview with Dan Coles after the England senior players decided not to share match fees with Samoa players, very much - not my problem.
taylorman
Guest
Yes after Manu Tuilagis failed attempt to give some match fees to the players I think its going to cause a rift. Why should we play for you, help your country out when ours gets nothing in return. Of course that will be written off by saying they should count themselves lucky they have a job, but for me that would be like saying NFL players shouldnt kneel,...the point is missed deliberately out of self preservation of ones own beliefs.
Highlander
Guest
Will Charlie P take the lid off the jar, or more likely - will World Rugby slam this shut.
taylorman
Guest
Mentioned last week that I think the trend is going to be that Pacific Islanders will start wanting to play for their nations at the World cup rolls around where they can play for clubs professionally and the country they choose to represent. And sure enough, in the wake of the Tongan effort at the League World cup, and guys like Taumalolo option for Tonga, albeit when he was hungover, Charles Piutau has expressed his wanting to play for Tonga in 2019. I think this should be encouraged. For one we need the best players at the tournament as the games primary showcase. Regardless of the fors and againsts of the idea, some nations provide an abundance of players for other nations, clubs for little return themselves. Players that have more than one option I believe should be allowed to play for a second option if they have one, if they dont make a squad, particularly if their home nation doesnt have a professional local competition. For a player like Sean Maitland to be able to travel to a country hes had no other affinity with bar a relatives birthplace to be able to play for Scotland and someone like Piutau who has family, friends and his roots in Tonga, not to be able to play for them due to some obscure rule is a sham. Tonga may not be able to compete on the world scene on a regular basis but once every four years the players should be able to represent the country they have the most affinity for so the world can get to appreciate the talent that country has. Despite a few embarrassing moments the Tongan support at the League World cup was awesome. Drop the rules for the World cup I reckon, let the players play for whoever will select them, and guarantee we will see a much better tournament, with real passion from each country attending. Wake up World rugby, its that obvious.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Helps playing behind a dominant pack TM ...
Old Bugger
Guest
Good spread cuw and worthwhile keeping an eye out for them.....if, we could just remember who is who, next year....but, if I was limited to one per team then, I'd watch out for Clarke (Blues wing), Moli (Chiefs as a LH prop), Alaalatoa (Saders TH prop), Hunt (HL's flanker) and Lousi (Canes lock). Can't wait....
John R
Roar Guru
Yeah Ricky is the man for sure, and I figured he'd still be the #2 #2 initially. But I was discussing it with some of my Kiwi mates, and they made a good point, AA is in the All Blacks, RR is not....
Digby
Roar Guru
Reiko is exciting isn't he? No doubt he can make it at centre, Tana would be a fairly useful guide to make that happen but I doubt whether he would be up to speed by 2019 but never say never and all that.
Digby
Roar Guru
Crotty and ALB would be my pick to have a run Highlander, I think that would be an excellent combination if given time but really Goodhue is an exciting prospect and if Ngatai can stay injury free who knows?
sturugbymad
Guest
squad so far for 2019 , have left out Kaino and Skudder as will probably be injured/out of form. No.6 is still open for a bolter though depending on who improves and impact from U20 stars. Franks , Laulala Coles , Taylor , Aumua Moody,Hames Whitelock, Lousi Retallick, Fatialofa Barrett , Fifita Cane, Todd/savea Read , Squire Smith , Perenara, Enari Barrett, Sopoanga Dagg, Naholo Crotty, Williams ALB, Goodhue Ioane Smith, Barrett