Contenders line up for Cane’s jersey
If Dalton Papalii doesn’t have a spring in his step right now, well he should have. Lachlan Boshier, too, for that matter. Let’s throw in DuPlessis Kirifi, while we’re at it.
A gilt-edged opportunity has just opened up for every No 7 in this country. An All Blacks test jersey beckons, if they’re good enough.
Sam Cane’s pectoral injury and subsequent surgery means, as well as being done for Super Rugby, he will miss a decent chunk of the upcoming All Blacks season and that Ian Foster is in the market for a fillin No 7, and a temporary captain while he’s at it.
The recovery time is expected to be four to six months. There is no sane reason for Cane to rush back. He should take his time to rebuild himself.
Sam Whitelock would appear to be a ready-made replacement on the captaincy front. He’s done the job before, is on top of his game, and makes all sorts of sense as a no-fuss fill-in while Cane sorts himself out.
But just who plays No7 for the creampuff July tests (against the woeful Italy and Fiji) and Rugby Championship that will follow remains a more intriguing proposition. The lightness of those first three tests throws up the prospect for experimentation.
The easy, and most sensible, option would be to move Ardie Savea back to his best position where he remains a highly effective performer in the test arena.
By playing Savea at 7 it would open things up at 6 and 8, where Foster plays him when he has Cane available. Hoskins Sotutu, Akira Ioane, Dalton Papalii, Luke Jacobson, Shannon Frizell and Cullen Grace are all jockeying for playing time there, along with one or two comers such as Ethan Blackadder, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u and Tom Robinson.
But Foster might decide to leave Savea at No 8 where he started all five of his tests in 2020, given that’s his likely position when Cane returns anyway.
So, how does the pecking order look at No 7 behind Savea who, incidentally, has started 10 tests at the openside spot, nine at No 8 and five at No 6, with 25 off the bench?
Papalii, a capable sort at all three loose forward positions, is playing well for the Blues at No 7 and shapes as a worthy frontrunner for promotion. He’s strong, athletic and would appear to be developing his skills over the ball.
Chiefs loosie Lachlan Boshier would normally be a top contender too. There are none better at the jackal in the New Zealand game and he has a toughness and solidity that would appear to lend itself well to the test arena.
But he has been struggling this year with a foot injury that has kept him out for the Chiefs, and needs game-time to press his claims.
Hurricanes grafter Du’Plessis Kirifi is probably the other leading contender. Though a shade on the small side at 1.80m and 101kg, he is a gritty performer with excellent speed around the park, fine link skills and has an established combination with Savea.
Others hover. Sione Havili Talitui is doing positive things for the Crusaders, while Billy Harmon and James Lentjes (back off that horror ankle injury of 2020) are covering the spot for the Highlanders.
Right now Savea might be Foster’s best option, with the prospect of unleashing Sotutu at No 8 an enticing one. But if not, Papalii might be the frontrunner on form, with Boshier the potential dark horse.
The contenders at No 7
Ardie Savea (Hurricanes): The logical man if Foster is looking for a quick fix. Would allow him to give Hoskins Sotutu a clear run at No 8 and maybe Akira Ioane or Luke Jacobson at 6.
Dalton Papalii (Blues): Playing career-best footy for the Blues and is looking more and more the prototype No 7 of the modern game. Getting better and better over the ball too.
Lachlan Boshier (Chiefs): The foremost jackaler in the Kiwi game and a form performer for a few years now. But needs time on the park for the Chiefs first.
Du’Plessis Kirifi (Hurricanes): Is clearly rated, after getting the callup across the ditch last year. Mobile, tough, an excellent link man and fast improver.
Sione Havili Talitui (Crusaders): A long shot, for sure, but playing well in a performing pack, and has the ideal platform to showcase his skills over the business end of Super Rugby.