To’omaga-Allen happy keeping blinkers on
Jeff To’omaga-Allen has put a bit of thought into this policy of not thinking about All Blacks selection.
The 25-year-old Hurricanes tighthead prop has already played one test for New Zealand, against Tokyo in Japan on the first stop of the team’s 2013 end-of-year tour.
It’s debatable how close he has been to a recall since. In fact being a regular starter for the Hurricanes has been challenge enough for To’omaga-Allen at times.
But the more Super Rugby he and Reggie Goodes, on the loosehead side of the scrum, have played this year, the better they’ve become. So much so that the pair have put themselves near the All Blacks’ frame for June’s three tests against Wales.
It would be a brave person who predicted that either will be in the squad, when it is named in Auckland on Sunday. But the fact To’omaga-Allen is even in the conversation is partly testament to avoiding it.
Friday’s clash between the Hurricanes and Highlanders marks the Wellington College old boy’s last chance to impress, even if he’s determined to let that fact escape him.
‘‘Nah, I can’t [think about it]. If I do it’ll throw me off. That’s the honest reality of my thinking,’’ To’omaga-Allen said.
‘‘In the past, I’ll be honest, I have thought about All Blacks and making this team or not making this team. [But] my focus right now is playing for the Hurricanes and hopefully winning a championship this year. That’s one of my big goals, I’m not afraid to say that.’’
A year ago To’omaga-Allen was battling to even make the Hurricanes’ reserves. For this season, he and head coach Chris Boyd set a variety of goals, centred around giving the prop ‘‘license’’ to play his own game.
Always mobile, with good hands and an ability to carry strongly and tackle, To’omaga-Allen has also formed part of an improving Hurricanes scrum. Beyond the Brumbies and maybe the Reds, no-one has had the better of them, with most opponents leaving Westpac Stadium well beaten.
A prop can do all the fancy stuff they like, but they’re highly unlikely to feature at international level unless they can scrummage. Owen Franks and Charlie Faumuina on the tighthead side and looseheads Wyatt Crockett and Joe Moody still appeal as New Zealand’s best, but To’omaga-Allen and Goodes aren’t too far behind now.
‘‘In terms of the All Blacks, man, that’s the dream. Who wouldn’t have that dream within the Super Rugby comp?,’’ said To’omaga-Allen.
‘‘Everyone’s chasing that dream but, for now, I’m focused on this Friday and playing this game and going up against some good mates and hopefully getting the better end.’’