Bolters in frame for the All Blacks
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has admitted ‘‘two of three’’ bolters could force their way into consideration in time for the Rugby World Cup later this year.
The All Blacks begin their defence of the William Webb Ellis Cup in Japan against two-time world champions South Africa in Yokohama on September 21.
Veteran Blues midfielder Ma’a Nonu has been hyped up for a potential fairytale comeback after his last test appearance in the 2015 World Cup final success against the Wallabies at Twickenham, but Hansen would not name any of the surprise candidates the national selectors had in their thoughts.
The Super Rugby season has passed the halfway point, where those bidding for selection have been staking their claim, and Hansen said there were some players who have emerged in the selection picture.
‘‘I’m not going to mention names and put pressure on them but there have certainly been some people out there,’’ Hansen told Radio Sport. ‘‘[They] have also been quite obvious to most people.
‘‘It’s been good to see and now that we’re getting to the business part of the season it’ll be interesting to see if they can maintain that high level of performance that we’ve been getting from them.’’
The All Blacks will name a 31-man squad for the World Cup in the coming months and one confirmed absentee is Damian McKenzie after the Chiefs playmaker’s season-ending knee injury.
Hansen said senior All Blacks were beginning to step up their performances this season and added the door was not closed to anyone excelling in Super Rugby.
Among the rookies shining for their Super sides have been Blues flanker Tom Robinson and Crusaders fullback Will Jordan.
‘‘There are a few guys that are established All Blacks that are starting to come into some good form and a lot of young guys starting to put there hands up,’’ Hansen told Radio Sport.
‘‘When the time comes to pick the side we’ll have plenty of candidates. Everyone is a chance, we’ll say no to nobody.’’
The All Blacks are drawn in Pool B for the World Cup with South Africa, Italy, Namibia and Canada.