Nonu gone but Crotty’s return eases pain

Injuries don’t look like slowing down All Blacks’ charge to the title, reports Toby Robson.

It turns out Ma’a Nonu isn’t indestructible, but the world must be wondering if the All Blacks are just that.

Coach Steve Hansen’s side have one hand on the Rugby Championship after beating South Africa 14-10 in Wellington to post their third win from four matches, their 33rd straight victory on New Zealand soil.

The result came at a cost, with Nonu out for the season with broken arm, but if Argentina and South Africa were hoping the All Blacks would be wounded or vulnerable when they jet over for their remaining two tests, they are out of luck.

Ryan Crotty’s return from a broken cheekbone is set to plug the hole at second five-eighth. Ben Smith stepped in to the position from the wing at halftime on Saturday night.

And the pack is set for a refuel too with Jerome Kaino (elbow) and Liam Messam (thigh) passed fit to travel to La Plata along with lock Sam Whitelock (ribs).

Intriguingly, Hansen revealed he will whistle up another player when hooker Dane Coles returns to New Zealand for the birth of his child after the test against Argentina on September 27.

There is already speculation that player will be Hurricanes loose forward Victor Vito, who has finally shaken the troublesome neck injury he’s carried since June, rather than another hooker to join Keven Mealamu and Nathan Harris.

That wouldn’t be a great sign for Luatua, who was a mixed bag against South Africa, though a tad unfairly singled out for a defensive lapse that allowed wing Cornal Hendricks to score.

Replays suggest Aaron Cruden was taken out of play leaving Luatua with the near impossible task of covering the flying wing.

The bevy of loose forward options may delay what must be increasing curiosity at the prospect of flankers Richie McCaw and Sam Cane starting a test together. For the second week in a row Cane used his limited minutes to showcase his productivity, pace, and skill.

Hansen is likely to plump for Crotty at second five-eighth after the Cantabrian nailed his chance before cracking his cheekbone during the 51-20 Bledisloe Cup win over Australia.

‘‘It [Nonu’s injury] creates an opportunity for someone like Ryan Crotty when he’s cleared to play and for Malakai [Fekitoa] for that fact. It’s disappointing, but not much we can do about it,’’ Hansen said.

Nonu’s injury will also open the door for Sonny Bill Williams to return to the test arena in his favoured position for the All Blacks’ end of the year tour.

Hansen may also give thought to giving Beauden Barrett another start against the Pumas, though Cruden’s rusty effort in Wellington suggests more that he needs another run before the battle of Johannesburg.

The All Blacks continue to be flawed geniuses. They kicked with the right intent, but executed their attacking stabs very poorly against the Springboks.

They were aggressive with ball in hand, but were beaten to the punch

Richie McCaw celebrates his crucial try in the corner as the All Blacks snuck home 14-10 against the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday night. when it came to clearing the rucks.

Wings Julian Savea and Ben Smith were destructive and elusive, but the backline lacked fluidity in the wet conditions.

And yet, they won after holding off a withering Springbok assault in the final minutes and added another brick to their growing self belief.

And it is beginning to feel as though it won’t matter much who the All Blacks select.

Even in the absence of soon to return first five-eighth Dan Carter, prop Tony Woodcock, and the aforementioned forward trio, the All Blacks have found a way.

‘‘It tells us we’ve got a bit of depth doesn’t it,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘It seems to be working reasonably seamlessly. People come in, people go out. I think that’s a reflection on the culture the leaders and the group are driving.

‘‘Everyone’s working hard for each other. It’s all about the team and the individual is second. It’s working well for us at the moment.

‘‘It’s a good feeling isn’t it,’’ Hansen said. ‘‘The more you do it [win tight matches] the more you tend to be able to do it.’’