Hansen faces tough calls after big win over Samoa

Steve Hansen and his fellow All Blacks coaches like having tough selection decisions — it proves they have options, and they have plenty before the first test against the British and Irish Lions next Saturday.

After this last night’s impressive victory over Manu Samoa, there won’t be many changes in the forwards, apart from the addition of skipper Kieran Read if he recovers from his broken thumb, as expected.

Aaron Smith must be considered a good chance to start at halfback, with Beauden Barrett able to select himself at No 10 after another masterful performance at Eden Park.

Ben Smith will start at fullback. After that it gets interesting. Sonny Bill Williams will start at second- five should he come through this test unscathed, but if Ryan Crotty doesn’t recover from his rib injury, then the selectors will have faith in centre Anton Lienert- Brown after he combined superbly with Williams for the first time in a black jersey.

Asked about Barrett’s goalkicking ( which included seven from eight attempts last night) and overall performance, assistant coach Ian Foster said: “He certainly kept us pretty happy. He’s had a year and hasn’t kicked a lot obviously with his side strain and the way things have gone.

“His last outing with the Hurricanes was really good. He hasn’t done a lot of kicking this week — we’ve had a busy week — but he’s hitting the ball well.”

The wings, too, could give the selectors something to think about. Julian Savea should start on the left wing, but how to choose between Israel Dagg and Waisake Naholo for the No 14 jersey? It could come down to a metaphorical coin toss, and there is also the form and quality of Rieko Ioane, set for his match for the New Zealand Maori against the Lions in Rotorua, to consider.

“It was a different sort of game for our wingers but I thought Izzy really grew into the game,” Foster said. “He looked stronger as the game went on, and Jules got a lot of touches on the ball.

“The pleasing thing now is it feels like we’ve got four wings in good form so it could make it a little bit tricky.”

Fullback Ben Smith was good, as usual, but it was his captaincy — the first time he has led the All Blacks — which really got Hansen’s attention.

“I think he’s had an outstanding week as a leader,” Hansen said. “It’s not easy to come in A, as a captain, and B, when you know it’s only for one or two or three or four games. As a part- time captain, it’s tough, but he’s come in and led like he’s been there all his life.

“He’s got a big future in that department, I think.”