Build from there, says Little

the third test Williams with Jack Goodhue.

Laumape, 25, has shown storming touches for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby – none more so than his four-try effort against the Blues last month – and it’s that hardrunning ability which Little sees as a sort of like-for-like replacement for Williams.

‘‘He’s a lot stronger than what most people think. And if they just give him half an inch, he’ll take it.

‘‘He’s got a lot better, varied his game a bit with the long passes once he’s broken through, tending to give before he gets taken to ground, which I like – I’d rather them stay on their feet and paired get back in the game again.’’

Since his quick adaption back to rugby after leaving the Warriors, Laumape has chalked up six tests after debuting last year, though has only started one – the infamous finale against the Lions. But this could be the opening for him, Little believes.

‘‘One guy’s injury problem is another guy’s opportunity. And I think Laumape won’t hold back, he’ll go hard to try and secure himself [that berth].’’

While that’s the way Little would start, he would like to see every player given a start during the six-game championship, before looking to bed in a preferred combination around the last game of the end-of-year tour, going into next year’s World Cup.

He acknowledged Goodhue’s superb season with the Crusaders and familiarity with Crotty could mean an ideal partnership to continue at international level. But the other worry Little raised was Crotty’s history of head knocks, seemingly requiring an HIA every second match of late.

‘‘Is he going to last right throughout this whole competition, is he going to be good for next year?’’ Little mused.

He feels Jordie Barrett also provides decent midfield cover, though is less keen on Rieko Ioane moving from the wing, feeling he’s not ready for it at international level and that move would be ‘‘just a waste’’.