Finding space for Nonu tough task for selectors
Even with around 41 players to be named in the All Blacks’ squad, Ma’a Nonu’s supporters may have to brace for bad news.
Although Nonu, who played 103 tests between 2003 and 2015, was one of the Blues’ best this season the All Blacks selectors are expected to remain loyal to those midfielders who have filled the void in his absence when they unveil their first All Blacks squad of the year tonight.
A thumb injury to Ryan Crotty during the Crusaders’ 30-26 win in the Super Rugby semifinal against the Hurricanes could potentially force a reshuffle in the midfield selections, but whether that will result in Nonu, 37, returning to the national squad is unclear.
The
Crusaders are expected to announce the extent of
Crotty’s injury today.
Midfield is an area rich with experience and talent, which may
Nonu.
Despite a knee injury limiting his appearances for the Blues, Sonny Bill Williams is guaranteed to be picked, and Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown and Crotty are likely to join him.
Ngani Laumape is also a contender. When the selectors named a 41-man squad ahead of the Rugby Championship in 2015 they listed five midfielders among their 19 backs, with Crotty being eliminated ahead of the global tournament.
This year’s squad, as was the case in 2015, will be slimmed down once the Crusaders, who will contribute only a few – if any – players for the All Blacks’ opening test against Argentina in Buenos Aires on July 21, return to the national squad.
Given the Crusaders will play the Jaguares in the final in Christchurch on Saturday night, there is no likelihood of first fiveeighth Richie Mo’unga being asked to travel to Argentina.
Beauden Barrett is expected to be the starting No 10 against the Pumas, with the uncapped Highlander Josh Ioane likely to be included in the travelling party and be named in the match-day 23.
Chiefs halfback Brad Weber should have done enough to force his way into the squad ahead of team-mate Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, a reflection of the count against
former’s excellent efforts for his club this season.
All Blacks captain Kieran Read, who will start at No 8 for the Crusaders in his swansong season for the club in the final, is likely to join Mo’unga in staying behind in New Zealand to prepare for the next test against the Springboks in Wellington on July 27.
With Crusaders captain Sam Whitelock also expected to remain at home, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will probably lean towards asking Sam Cane or Barrett to lead the side against
the Pumas.
In 2015 the selectors named seven loose forwards, with openside flanker Matt Todd left behind when the squad was whittled back to 31 for the World Cup in England and Wales.
The balance of loose forwards could be the same if the selectors again opt for 22 forwards for this part of the season.
With Read unavailable there’s potential for Blues No 8 Akira Ioane, who was included in the All Blacks’ foundation days during the Super Rugby regular season despite not being invited
to tour named.
Codie Taylor, who will also start for the Crusaders in the final, is another who will probably be asked to remain in New Zealand to recuperate ahead of the test against the Springboks.
The experienced Dane Coles will probably be joined by Nathan Harris and Liam Coltman in the early part of the championship.
The mix of the outside backs will be high anticipated, with Crusaders wings Sevu Reece and Braydon Ennor potential newcomers.
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