Is Blues lock an All Blacks bolter?
Blues coach Vern Cotter has an interesting call to make in the coming weeks.
Big Sam Darry made his return via the bench against the Brumbies on Saturday, but the man he replaced is in the form of his life.
Laghlan McWhannell didn’t have any luck with injuries at the Chiefs, but now that he is healthy and getting regular rugby at the Blues he is starting to blossom.
Statistically, McWhannell is the best lineout operator in New Zealand, with 36 lineout wins, including six steals on opposition ball, according to Opta statistics.
The 198cm Waikato product is still young for a tight forward at 25 years old, but his core skills and athleticism are both impressive.
The All Blacks are obviously in the market for at least one new lock, and the contenders are starting to emerge.
McWhannell earns the No 5 jersey in Stuff’s team of the week.
15 Josh Moorby (Hurricanes): There were no real standouts this week, but Moorby was typically effective against the Drua.
14 Mark Tele’a (Blues): Sevu Reece was again strong for the Crusaders, but Tele’a beat nine defenders and made more than 100 metres in the wet.
13 Billy Proctor (Hurricanes): The Hurricanes midfielder is really starting to express himself as an attacking threat as well as a smart defender.
12 Jordie Barrett (Hurricanes): A fearless defensive display by the All Black - the Drua would have beaten a lot of teams on Friday.
11 Caleb Clarke (Blues): He’ll be living in the heads of several Brumbies - forwards and backs - after a damaging performance with the ball.
10 Aidan Morgan (Hurricanes): Wins the bravery award for playing on despite a nasty cut, and he didn’t miss any tackles, or conversion attempts.
9 TJ Perenara (Hurricanes): Blotted copybook with a kick error in the first half, but had two try assists and 12 tackles in the Suva sauna.
8 Hoskins Sotutu (Blues): Another devastating display of power against the Brumbies at Eden Park.
7 Dalton Papalii (Blues): He’s gone up a couple of gears in recent weeks, particularly with ball in hand.
6 Akira Ioane (Blues): Was a constant presence close to the ruck, making the hard yards in the heaviest traffic.
5 Laghlan McWhannell (Blues): Reliable source of lineout ball against the Brumbies, on Saturday and showed glimpses of his running game.
4 Patrick Tuipulotu (Blues): Mr Go Forward. There probably isn’t a heavier carrier of the ball in New Zealand.
3 Marcel Renata (Blues): More than held his own against the Brumbies and Wallabies veteran James Slipper during scrum time.
2 Ricky Riccitelli (Blues): Tailor-made for for the close-quarter combat preferred by coach Cotter.
1 Ofa Tuungafasi (Blues): Rock solid at the set-piece and damaging once again with the ball in his hands.