Weepu faces axe from All Blacks
THE TIME has come to cut Piri Weepu.
Halfback is the most contentious area of the All Blacks’ 28-man Rugby Championship squad named today and Weepu could be on the outer.
It may seem like a harsh call. In the early stages of this season, Weepu’s experience was a key cog in the Blues’ fleeting revival. He seemed to have turned the corner.
For the All Blacks, though, his fitness remains a concern.
Off the field, Weepu has worked hard, undertaking boxing and extra gym sessions to maintain his playing weight. Comparatively, he is in much better shape than last year.
But his last test against the French in New Plymouth was underwhelming. He struggled with the pace of game, to deliver quality ball, and was subbed soon after halftime – a clear sign he did not take his chance. That effort could be the killer blow which opens the door for Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara.
Possibly most revealing, in his last 15 tests, Weepu has started just three. Two of those lasted little more than 40 minutes. Only against Scotland in Edinburgh, and from the bench in sodden conditions against Argentina in Wellington, has he impressed at the highest level recently.
The reality is the 71-test veteran has been slowly overtaken by a younger, snappier crop of No 9s. Aaron Smith, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Perenara are a different breed, the next generation. Try as he might, Weepu can’t fight the inevitable top-class production line.
Weepu was the last surviving All Blacks halfback from the 2011 World Cup and Sir Graham Henry’s reign. The 29-year-old has been here before, but he could now battle to regain his spot. He could join Andy Ellis on the fringes, waiting for an injury opening reprieve.
If Weepu is left out today and is asked to pass the baton, only 12 of the original 30 players selected for the eventual Webb Ellis Cup triumph would remain. It would further signal coach Steve Hansen’s intentions to gradually transition new players into the international arena.
The All Blacks’ fast-paced, hightempo game under Hansen has not suited Weepu’s strengths. Emphasis on this style will only increase during the Rugby Championship. Weepu tends to pause at the breakdown and asses his options. He possesses a superb, subtle passing game to put players into space, but that is not what the All Blacks require. They want a bullet pass. They want urgency to allow their No 10s time and space to spark the backline.
It was only a matter of time before Perenara edged into the All Blacks. He has been knocking on the door for the past year and may now have broken the hinges. For the most part, Perenara’s credentials and form has been irresistible. Many believe he could be the best of the latest arrivals. Most thought Perenara’s chance would come on the end-of-year tour, but after another training squad appearance last week, the 21-year-old is firmly in line to earn his first cap this month.
BLUES ROOKIES Charles Piutau and Steven Luatua are set to be named in the All Blacks’ Rugby Championship squad today.
Other than halfback Piri Weepu, loose forward Victor Vito could be the glaring omission.
And Rene Ranger’s withdrawal from the 28-man core squad for personal reasons is a major blow that probably spells the end of his test career. Ranger’s availability was thrown into question last week when All Blacks coach Steve Hansen met with his agent, Simon Porter, in Auckland.
With the dynamic ability to cover midfield and wing, the Blues utility was a valuable asset to the All Blacks. Without Ranger, Ben Smith will be the only test-ready midfield cover outside of incumbents Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith, though Francis Saili can be pulled in if injuries strike.
Ranger has decided he needs to be close to his family and will instead captain Northland in the NPC, before taking up a lucrative three-year deal with French club Montpellier at the end of the season. His deflection paves the way for Blues team-mate Piutau to be included as fullback and outside back cover.
The late change may also lead to a call up for powerful Blues wing Frank Halai, who could gain one of three wider training squad spots, with Saili and Hurricanes lock Jeremy Thrush.
After 22 tests, Vito is yet to nail his chance at the top level. The central frustration continues to be his inability to impose himself physically, while carrying out the FORWARDS Props: Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Joe Moody (injury cover). Hookers: Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Dane Coles. Locks: Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano. Loose-forwards: Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Steven Luatua. BACKS Halfbacks: Aaron Smith, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara/Piri Weepu. First-fives: Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett. Midfield: Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu. Outside backs: Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Ben Smith, Charles Piutau. TRAINING SQUAD MEMBERS: Jeremy Thrush, Francis Saili, Frank Halai core blindside flanker duties.
In some regard it’s easy to empathise with Vito. He is a No 8 stuck behind the world’s best in Crusaders captain Kieran Read.
The All Blacks appear to have lost patience waiting for Vito to come of age at No 6. Much like Weepu, he did not make a lasting impression in his last test against France in New Plymouth. Luatua’s ability to cover lock offers better balance for this tournament. While his versatility will see him earn the fifth loose forward role, his long-term future is at No 6.
With Richie McCaw back, Crusaders openside Matt Todd is likely to drop out for Sam Cane.
McCaw will get 80 minutes against Wellington for Canterbury in Lower Hutt this week and is expected to start and captain the All Blacks in the opening Bledisloe Cup test, in Sydney, on August 17.
Up front, after recovering from a calf injury, Blues prop Charlie Faumuina is likely to return for the chance to add to his seven tests at the expense of Chiefs tighthead Ben Afeaki.
Crusaders rookie loosehead prop Joe Moody is expected to be included as injury cover for Wyatt Crockett, taking the overall squad number to 32. While Hansen’s frontline team appears solid, injuries in crucial areas could test depth.
Midfield is a concern and Luatua and Piutau remain unproven after one fleeting test respectively.
Facing up to the challenge of the Wallabies, Springboks and Pumas is a far cry from what France provided.