Ngani, Jordan and job security

Last week’s 38-13 scalp in Sydney means the All Blacks have a prime opportunity to lock up the Bledisloe Cup for yet another year in front of their home fans.

Here’s five talking points ahead of tomorrow night’s test at Eden Park.

1. Ngani Laumape to start at 12

This was the news which put a plug on Hurricanes fans grumbling about the blockbusting midfielder missing out on the All Blacks’ 33-man squad for the Rugby Championship.

If it were up to them, he would be starting every week, even if Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty were fit.

Let’s see if his communication with first-five Beauden Barrett – an area coach Steve Hansen said he needed to work on when justifying his omission from the squad – has ramped up.

2. Michael Cheika’s job security

His children were in tears after last weekend’s loss, and the Wallabies coach looked like he was about to blubber whenever television producers cut to him in the coaching box during the match.

Then, after referee Jaco Peyper blew fulltime, fed up fans bashed on the windows and made it clear they’d had a guts full of him and his rabble of a team.

The heat has only turned up, with calls for the Australian Rugby Union to axe him and his coaching staff if they’re to have any chance at next year’s World Cup in Japan. Another lost Bledisloe Cup series is only going to put him further on the hot seat.

3. Jordie Barrett’s back

It’s difficult to get excited by Barrett starting at fullback, particularly when you think of his underwhelming form for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

Hansen had planned to give him a stint on the sidelines, only for a hamstring injury to Rieko Ioane to force a reshuffle.

Barrett’s last start, in the Hurricanes’ semifinal loss to the Crusaders last month, wasn’t flash and you have to wonder how close Hansen came to keeping Ben Smith at fullback and bringing Nehe Milner-skudder in to play opposite Waisake Naholo.

4. The Eden Park factor

Spectators get a better view of the action at most of New Zealand’s stadiums, including Christchurch’s tinpot venue at Addington.

However, Eden Park – New Zealand’s biggest ground – is without a doubt, and for whatever reason, a graveyard for opposing sides.

Stats geeks can dive waist deep into the numbers if they wish, but let’s just drop this beaut here: Australia’s last win at Eden Park: September 6, 1986.

5. Owen Franks raises his bat

Last weekend it was Sam Whitelock cracking three figures, now it’s tighthead prop Owen Franks’ turn.

Franks is set to become the ninth All Black to play at least 100 tests, and the third front rower after hooker Keven Mealamu (132) and prop Tony Woodcock (118).

Franks is still without a test try, but you get the feeling the Crusader would rather heap more misery on the Wallabies at scrum time than dot down.