Dawn of a new era
ABs 32-man squad likely to include a few rookies and some old returning faces. Fresh leader New kid on the block Gun rookie Prodigal son
Form rookies will be rewarded, together with a resurgence of experience, when the first All Blacks squad of the year is unveiled today.
Young or old, hearing your name read out in any All Blacks squad is a special moment for players. Dynamic Chiefs utility Damian McKenzie and Highlanders workhorse Elliot Dixon could be about to experience that feeling for the first time.
A recall for fullback Israel Dagg may be another feature of the 32-man squad named to face Wales in three tests next month.
Detailed succession planning probably means the changes won’t be quite as dramatic as 2012 when Steven Hansen assumed the reins, but the loss of the big six and the size of the squad offers room to balance grooming and progression ambitions.
Dixon has impressed over the past two years at the Highlanders with his lineout prowess, work-rate and mobility.
In a loose forward mix that’s lost Liam Messam to the sevens arena, Richie McCaw to retirement and Victor Vito to an imminent French contract, Dixon has probably earned a chance to debut ahead of the physical presence Jordan Taufua provides the Crusaders. Ardie Savea’s decision to pull out of the Rio sevens campaign signposted his inclusion – and his performance for the Hurricanes on Friday night added an exclamation mark. Steven Luatua may also be considered as a loose forward/lock option.
A groundswell of interest behind McKenzie could see him make the cut for the first time. With dazzling footwork and playmaking abilities, the Southland product has immediately captured global attention. While he does not lack courage, his diminutive stature presents defensive challenges, particularly from his second-choice position of fullback, and his attacking instincts could be tempered at times. His talent, though, is obvious and the chance to get him under the wing of Wayne Smith may be too enticing.
Missing last year’s World Cup squad was a body blow for Dagg. Initially there were thoughts he may head overseas but he’s returned with renewed hunger and zip for the Crusaders this year. With 49 tests under his belt there are no doubts about his poise on the big stage, either. Dagg is safe under the high ball, has a booming boot, chimes in at first receiver and offers the option of shifting Ben Smith to the right wing, if needed. Against a Welsh team that kicks a lot, Dagg’s presence could be valuable.
In one moment he termed a ‘‘Tony Brown special’’ against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Friday night, Lima Sopoaga gave a glimpse of his confidence. That freakish turnaround chip kick is just one aspect of his skill-set. Sopoaga has chinks in his game but he is New Zealand’s best goalkicker this season and it makes sense to continue his development alongside Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett.
The midfield situation is likely to cause some discussion with the selectors. Malakai Fekitoa, Ryan Crotty and Charlie Ngatai, who the Chiefs have indicated will recover from his concussion issues, are Crusaders v Blues: pB3 natural inclusions. But powerful Chiefs centre Seta Tamanivalu, Blues utility George Moala and breakout Highlanders star Matt Faddes could all come into the picture for the fourth midfield role. Moala and Tamanivalu both travelled with the All Blacks to Samoa last year, Moala debuting on the