Bridging the gap to RWC
Is it really true that Super Rugby starts in two weeks? This year has seen the softest of launches for the competition. In a week when questions have been asked about the potential dilution of the Rugby World Cup it’s equally valid to wonder if it has become too important,
We are already talking about which All Blacks will miss Super Rugby games so they are fizzing in September, not about the competition itself.
It is the way of the world.
But while we may grumble about it there is no avoiding the fact that Super Rugby serves two purposes this year.
One is to decide the best team in the southern hemisphere and the other is to see which player can do a Nehe Milner-Skudder and push his way into the All Blacks in a World Cup year.
There does not appear to be many gaps in the All Blacks squad, but someone always changes that conversation.
This year all eyes will be on George Bridge. Can the Crusaders wing do a Nehe? He has already made a start.
His second-half performance against Japan last year was as good as it gets, and yet its quality was not surprising.
For months he had been doing similar things for the Crusaders and then Canterbury.
He is assured under the high ball, deceptively strong, quick, and has a kicking game.
Those who sit close to the action at AMI Stadium say he has a voice too – cajoling and organising.
There is no point in reading the game well if you cannot communicate. Bridge has that box ticked off.
His hopes would appear tied to those of Waisake Naholo.
The Highlanders wing is a terrific player – strong, fast and skilful.
But has the All Blacks’ confidence in him been shaken a little by his form at the end of last year?
While Bridge took his chance against Japan, Naholo did not. It can be a cut-throat business, and the chatter about Naholo’s future must be a distraction too.
There are a few hurdles for Naholo to clear, even though his talent has never been in doubt.
The back three area is congested. If Damian McKenzie is a fullback option and Jordie Barrett is a right-wing option, and Rieko Ioane and Ben Smith are certainties, that possibly leaves only one space available.
Could Bridge’s high-ball talents be a nice commodity in Japan, or is Naholo’s power too good to ignore?
Chiefs wing Solomon Alaimalo will also want in on this conversation. Former All Blacks great Mils Muliaina is among his backers because of his height and pace, and he could ignite again this year.
In other positions there are a few candidates who could be big movers.
Chiefs prop Atu Moli and Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua had years to forget in 2018 for their own reasons, but they remain players of significant potential.
Some of Aumua’s collision work for Wellington in the Mitre 10 Cup was borderline frightening, while Moli has the size and ball skills to put his name up in lights after a horror leg injury.
If you are looking for wildcards, Highlanders lock Pari Pari Parkinson could be anything, and Hurricanes big man Isaia Walker-Leawere is in the same category. Watching them for NZ Maori last year was like looking at the next great All Blacks locking partnership: Parkinson all size and dominant tackles, Walker-Leawere running like a wing in open space – and both of them working hard post tackle to get off the ground.
Or as complete outsiders what about Whetukamokamo Douglas and Ethan Blackadder at the Crusaders? Douglas is a genuine No 8, has size and maturity, and will get plenty of opportunities.
As for Blackadder, his impressive Bronco fitness test results reported by Stuff this week show what an engine he has, as well as a good footy brain.
Nonetheless, it is hard to go past Bridge as the most likely.
Let the Super Rugby trials begin.