ABs’ World Cup options at 10
It’s hard not to turn a whiter shade of pale when a first five-eighth is drafted towards the hospital ward in a World Cup year. Remember 2011, anyone? The All Blacks selectors named just two first-fives, Dan Carter and Colin Slade, in their original squad for the tournament in New Zealand but both were on crutches before the big show was over.
Carter tore an adductor in his groin, ending his involvement in the pool phase, while Slade left the field during the quarterfinal against Argentina after suffering a similar injury.
Coach Graham Henry managed to put on a brave face after issuing Aaron Cruden and Stephen Donald with their call-up papers to replace his injured duo. Cruden arrived at training with strapping on a knee, but Henry waved a hand to the breeze and reassured a jittery nation that it wasn’t a big deal.
He was more concerned about keeping the young man off his skateboard, he joked, ahead of the semifinal against the Wallabies. Donald was carrying some spare timber around the hips after his now famous whitebaiting expeditions, but no-one cared about that. The All Blacks just needed some fit No 10s.
Sure enough, Cruden came a gutser. No-one was smiling when he hurt a knee in the final against France in Auckland, and had to
be replaced by Donald.
Nervous Kiwis need not have worried;
Donald kicked the match-winning penalty as the All Blacks scraped home 8-7 and the Webb Ellis Cup was finally back in New Zealand Rugby’s possession after a
24-year hiatus.
Following the news that Damian McKenzie won’t be available for the global tournament in Japan later this year, now seems a good time as any to reassess out stocks in the playmaker’s role.
It always pays to be prepared. That’s one thing we learned in 2011.
1 Beauden Barrett
The obvious candidate to start the World Cup games that matter in Japan. If fit. Was a member of the World Cup squad in 2015, came off the bench as the back three was reshuffled to score a try in the final against Australia. 2 Richie Mo’unga
Must ensure his passport is valid, because he will also go to Japan. His excellent form last year warranted more recognition from the All Blacks selectors after his debut, an appearance off the bench against a French XV, in late 2017.
3 Otere Black.
Uncapped, but has been sound in his seven appearances (five starts) for the resurgent Blues this season. Earns approval ahead of the chasing pack because of more minutes in Super Rugby.
4 Brett Cameron
Made debut for the All Blacks as a replacement against Japan in Tokyo last year. Has had limited exposure to Super Rugby in his rookie year with the Crusaders, but the All Blacks selectors clearly had been monitoring his progress with Canterbury before picking him to go to Japan for his cameo as a substitute.
5 Mitchell Hunt
Another Crusaders player. Has more experience than Cameron and was unlucky to be overlooked for the large All Blacks squad that went to Japan in 2018.
Hunt can also play at fullback, and proved in 2017 that he can deliver in the big moments by hoofing over a long-range drop goal to beat the Highlanders in Christchurch.
6 Marty McKenzie
Been around for a while, now. Bounced between the Chiefs and Crusaders, and back again. Handy goal kicker. Prone to the odd error, but experience counts for a lot in times of need.
7 Harry Plummer
A member of last year’s NZ under-20 representative side, Plummer has risen through the national age-group scene to play a couple of seasons for Auckland. In his rookie year with the Blues.
8 Josh Ioane
In his second season at the Highlanders. The 23-year-old is still finding his way in Super Rugby, but has shown glimpses of his potential. Not helped by a Highlanders team that is struggling to win games, and appears down on confidence.
9 Bryn Gatland
Shifted to the Highlanders this season after a stint with the Blues. Dependable, if not spectacular. Although still only 23 years old, has clocked up some valuable experience with North Harbour and – briefly – with Waikato.
10 Stephen Donald
Yes, laugh. Get it out of your system. Now hear this: Donald is a member of the Chiefs squad, having been called in as injury cover because Tiaan Falcon blew an Achilles tendon.
This means the vastly experienced Donald should be in decent shape. At 35 years of age, he is also younger than the inform Ma’a Nonu who will soon be 37.