Naholo takes chances against Pumas

The Waisake Naholo chants would have been ringing in the south for a couple of reasons yesterday.

Playing in his first test since the second match of the British and Irish Lions series in July, the Highlanders’ flyer played a decent hand in the All Blacks’ scratchy 36-10 win against Argentina in Buenos Aires yesterday.

Naholo scored a try, set up captain Kieran Read’s opener, would have had a second had it not been for a forward pass, and made a try-saving tackle.

There was plenty to like about his overall performance, which included 57 metres gained from eight carries.

Particularly as Naholo has become somewhat the forgotten winger in New Zealand rugby.

Given Naholo only recently extended his contract with New Zealand Rugby (NZR), the Highlanders and Taranaki for one season, that’s not a position fans will want to see him in.

While the 26-year-old’s case for selection hasn’t been helped by a couple of bouts with concussion, Rieko Ioane has practically locked up the left-wing, and the return to health of Nehe Milner-Skudder has added extra competition on the right. The unavailability of Ben Smith (sabbatical) and Israel Dagg (knee injury) without a doubt helped him earn selection on Sunday, and should also aid him in adding to his 14 test caps during the end-of-year tour.

That’s good news for Naholo, who over the next 12 months will weigh up his chances of featuring for the All Blacks at the 2019 Rugby World Cup before deciding his future.

‘‘I’d like to stay in New Zealand for at least one more year and go from there,’’ Naholo said after extending his contract by 12 months with NZR.