Hugh McGahan: In general terms, a replacement leader is a must

Since the Kiwis' first game of this campaign, the country has attributed the success around the coaching environment within the camp. Although I agree with this train of thought, I also look deeper into how the team has succeeded on the field and there is one major ingredient no longer there: Stacey Jones.

The new coaching environment has allowed all players the freedom to show their talents without fear of retribution and with a desire not witnessed for many seasons. None more so than Jones, who has been instrumental in so many of the team's tries that it is difficult to see his replacement emulating his feats.

Wave after wave of New Zealand's assaults in this series have had Jones at the forefront with deft passing to runners clambering over each other to take the ball. His tactical kicking has also given the team the advantage of starting their defence in the opposition's 10m zone - an unenviable position for the opposition to start an attack.

Jones is the "go to" guy when something special has been required and in this campaign he has more than delivered. His goal-kicking has been a godsend - but who will now fill this role?

In the probable combination of Lance Hohaia and Motu Tony there will definitely be speed around the field but will there be speed between the ears?

Making decisions in micro-seconds with more than one option available and producing a positive result is not easy. Making the odd bad decision is commonplace among the best of playmakers.

But if it becomes a consistent theme, then players tend to look for a big play to make up for it and this tends to lead to even bigger problems.

Can these two players make up for one Stacey Jones? Coach Brian McClennan has inspired before and I know he can do it again but inspiration will make little difference if the ability is lacking.

I am not insinuating that these players do not have ability but I question if they have what it takes to replace Stacey.

Tomorrow morning's game against England will show what is needed to beat Great Britain again. Can Hohaia and Tony play the game in the way that has so far been successful?

Will the coach adjust his game to suit the players coming into the side? He will more than likely adjust after he sees the result of this game. With a different combination in the halves and hooker, there will be a different dynamic to this team.

Desire and confidence will not be lacking but whether they have the aptitude to lead as Jones does will be interesting. The team has gained tremendous momentum under the guidance of McClennan, who has had to come up with something when Benji Marshall, Sonny Bill Williams and Dean Halatau were unavailable. He will systematically approach this the same way. This will not faze him but the minds of his team will need to be focused on the task at hand and not who is playing halfback.

Jones will be missed especially because his goal-kicking has been an added bonus. But the success of this campaign will depend on the mental strength of the team and his replacements - who will have to concentrate on their own abilities and provide leadership their coach has confidence in.

Their mental strength will determine the Kiwis' destiny.