Is big Karl the biggest loser?
As the clock ticks closer to All Blacks coach Steve Hansen naming his 31-man squad to contest the Rugby World Cup, time is running out for those on the selection fringe. In the first of Stuff’s five-part series ahead of Wednesday’s squad selection, our rugby writers pick the front rowers bound for Japan.
Players they’ll take: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Owen Franks, Angus Ta’avao.
Biggest winner: Liam Coltman Biggest loser: Karl Tu’inukuafe
Summary: The props essentially pick themselves now that Karl Tu’inukuafe is on the outer. After being the rugby story of the year in 2018, the big man has been a victim of head coach Steve Hansen’s desire to have his front rowers more mobile and more involved on the carry, while a viral meningitis (fluid on the brain) scare didn’t help his cause in sidelining him for a couple of months during Super Rugby. His misfortune continued when he picked up a haematoma on his leg when playing for North Harbour last weekend. Meanwhile, Coltman presents as the luckiest inclusion, getting the nod as the third hooker, after just over an hour of test footy, spread across five bench appearances stretching over almost four years. He edged out Nathan Harris in the Rugby Championship squad but had a shocker in his sole test run of the year in Buenos Aires. AARON GOILE Players they’ll take: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Joe Moody, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Owen Franks, Angus Ta’avao
Biggest winner: Liam Coltman
Biggest loser: Nathan Harris Summary: Watching Nathan Harris ripping into his work for Bay of Plenty the past fortnight makes it clear the 20-cap All Black is desperate to get back in the mix. However, minus Liam Coltman breaking down against Hawke’s Bay in Napier last night, it appears the Highlander will get the nod as the third rake. Coltman’s throwing still needs work, but his work around the paddock – particularly at the breakdown – brings back memories of Andrew Hore at his prime.
As for the props, Laulala’s impressive performance in place of the dropped Owen Franks against the Wallabies last weekend has certainly stirred the pot in terms of which four make Hansen’s first-choice 23. ROBERT VAN ROYEN
Players they’ll take: Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Liam Coltman, Joe Moody, Owen Franks, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Nepo Laulala, Angus Ta’avao.
Biggest winner: Angus Ta’avao
Biggest loser: Atu Moli Summary: At the end of the 2017 season Ta’avao couldn’t convince the Waratahs to renew his contract, so had to return to New Zealand.at the time the tighthead prop’s Super Rugby career looked shot. As for the All Blacks? Stop giggling. Well, nobody is laughing now are they? On second thoughts, maybe Ta’avao is. All the way to the bank. Loosehead specialist Moli will be unlucky. This is a numbers game. He couldn’t be squeezed in. Only five props will be required.