To wing it for the All Blacks?
might wow fans, and be a matchwinner, in 2019. That’s a pleasant turn up, but not to the extent you’d call Coles an unexpected sensation either.
Akira Ioane could be. But that would require him to a) to get picked and then b) play big minutes at No 8. Yes, Ioane could probably do a job for you at blindside, but would be most dangerous from No 8.
Given that’s the spot occupied by captain Kieran Read, Ioane starring there would have to rank more as highly unlikely rather than unexpected.
Fellow loose forward Ardie Savea is another who could prove a World Cup sensation. Savea got better and better this year, after assuming the No 7 jersey once Sam Cane suffered a serious neck injury.
But with Savea already a highly regarded operator, and Cane at least an outside chance of coming back in the starting XV next year, he’s not the guy we’re looking for here.
Which leaves us with Jordie Barrett.
Another whose reputation probably precedes them Barrett is, however, a novice in the position where he really could prove a sensation next year.
Having been a fullback, who coveted the No 12 jersey but spent a decent chunk of the last Super Rugby season at centre, Barrett was brilliant on the wing when New Zealand beat Italy 66-3 last month.
Sure the opposition was scant, but that doesn’t diminish how well Barrett held his width and depth, the way he came in when required on defence and how accurately he did everything.
What really caught the eye, though, was the 21-year-old’s pace and the try he scored off a crosskick from brother Beauden.
Teams are always trying to create mismatches and turn halfchances into full-blown opportunities and, on the Italy evidence, there’s unlikely to be any wing or fullback who can compete with Barrett in the air. Assuming the World Cup margins are fine, the crosskick for Jordie Barrett could be the thing that wins New Zealand the tournament.
We all knew the kid could play fullback, but there’s a high chance he can now be an unexpected sensation on the wing.