Savea has point to prove as Todd looms as viable alternative

Battle for backup No 7 role offers riveting subplot on northern tour.

OPINION: Ardie Savea is such a talented rugby player, with such a powerful engine, that it seems absurd to suggest he’s under some pressure for his spot in the All Blacks.

But surveying Steve Hansen’s travelling troupe of 37 for the November tour north, taking in tests against France, Scotland and Wales, as well as the clash against the Baabaas at Twickenham next weekend and a hitout against a French XV in Lyon, a perusal of players under pressure to front has to have Savea’s name up top.

The Wellington loose forward has gone off the boil a little at test level, as evidenced by the recent decision by Hansen to run with Matt Todd as his backup No 7 for the third Bledisloe in Brisbane (a decision subsequently overturned when the Cantab picked up a groin injury in the leadup).

It’s a tough position for Savea as the designated backup to topchoice No 7 Sam Cane who is playing very well in the starting role. It’s not easy to impact a match off the bench on a weekly basis, and Savea has shown his ability to do just that in a 22-test career.

He has speed, athleticism, physicality and an inordinate leg drive to power him in the tussles in and around the breakdown. At his best he is a dynamic game-changer, tailor made for the bench role at this stage of his career.

But Todd is also a quality performer and appears to be breathing down Savea’s neck for that backup No 7 spot in the top test lineup. Who emerges top in their tussle on this tour could be one of the more intriguing subplots.

Who else might be considered under some pressure to perform on this tour?

Lima Sopoaga and Damian McKenzie are two who spring to mind after the Brisbane defeat. Hansen has made no secret of his displeasure at the All Blacks’ kicking and tactical game in the wet there, and the No 10 and fullback that night have to bear the brunt of that.

‘‘If you look back at last weekend with the rain and everything, probably our kicking game is what let us down,’’ Hansen said before departure. ‘‘A lot of that is on he [McKenzie] and Sops [Sopoaga]. Sops plays under the roof and often doesn’t have to deal with that weather, so it’s a new experience for him. And Damian at the back always wants to run. So learning from that will be good. They were both exposed to it, and it will be good for their careers.’’

Translation: these two have been put on notice. They must take their lessons on board.

Up north they have every chance of seeing more of weather that puts a premium on tactics and kicking. McKenzie is a brilliant attacker who is filling in admirably at fullback but needs to round out his game.

And Sopoaga is a reliable backup to Beauden Barrett but must continue to evolve the tactical side of his game if he hopes to see meaningful minutes in big tests. Others to watch for? Waisake Naholo has a great chance to press his claims as a frontline wing on this trip.

And Brodie Retallick’s absence at lock puts a lot on Scott Barrett and probably Patrick Tuipoulotu to deliver the physical impact and high workrate needed in his absence.

As always, the acid will be on the All Blacks to win these three tests in the north. Some, more than others, have some points to prove.