Lienert- Brown has lot to gain, or lose
Of all those given an opportunity to press their claims for the All Blacks against Argentina tomorrow, few have as much to gain, or potentially lose, as centre Anton Lienert- Brown.
Given the ease with which he stepped into the No 12 jersey for his test debut against Australia in Wellington last month, the selectors will have every faith the Chiefs 21- year- old can do likewise alongside Ryan Crotty at the Estadio Jose Amalfitani in Buenos Aires.
The conditions will be more hostile than anything he has experienced, but Lienert- Brown is unlikely to be fazed. Like before his first and only start against the Wallabies, Lienert- Brown will be told to concentrate solely on his role and to block out the potential distractions.
And, if he strikes up a good combination with Crotty, Lienert- Brown could put real pressure on Malakai Fekitoa for the No 13 jersey against South Africa at Kings Park in Durban next week and beyond.
It’s not that Fekitoa, rested for this match, has been poor for the All Blacks this year after a quiet Super Rugby season with the Highlanders. It’s just that Lienert- Brown could take advantage of a midfield which has still to settle after the departures of Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith and the Achilles injury to Sonny Bill Williams.
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu, halfback TJ Perenara, and blindside flanker Liam Squire also have chances to push their claims in the absence of Sam Whitelock ( on the reserves bench), Aaron Smith ( rested) and Jerome Kaino ( injured), but they are effectively playing to cement their back- up roles as their rivals are considered among the best in the world.
Lienert- Brown doesn’t have the power and explosiveness of Fekitoa, but he possesses excellent footwork and the ability to see space and work his teammates into it. His handling skills are also excellent. The selectors are happy with the Crotty- Fekitoa combination, but a compelling performance from Lienert- Brown would give them something else to consider.
“He’s an eager kid and wants to learn,” wing Julian Savea said of Lienert- Brown. “He’s always out there preparing well. That’s a good thing when you come into an environment like this.”
The dramatic re- shuffling of coach Steve Hansen’s team against the Pumas has been designed to increase the depth in the squad, which i s already excellent, even further. But despite all the changes — and Damian McKenzie is set to make his test debut off the reserves bench.
Hansen was at his laconic best when asked about the challenge other nations faced when coming up against the All Blacks. “The more we win I guess psychologically it becomes a barrier, but it’s not a barrier that you can’t drive a bus or a car or even a pushbike through.” Tune in to Radio Sport for live commentary of the All Blacks v Argentina