KEY POINTS:
The question to ask about Richard Kahui is when, not if. He's going to be a superstar. He defends like Tarzan and offloads like Jane. He has the vision of a first five, the chassis of a Volvo and the engine of a Rolls Royce. And he's armed
with good looks and a serious bout of professionalism.
That's why an appearance in the No 12 jersey against either England or Wales is likely for Kahui, with selectors keen to see if he can form a midfield partnership with Conrad Smith.
The only thing standing in his way to stardom as a centre is Smith.
Kahui has shown this year that he can play the game. He's got what it takes and the toughest call for the selectors ahead of the Irish game was leaving him out.
It is going to be a tough business every week now. Smith is building a combination with Ma'a Nonu and the Wellington centre rarely makes an error. His contribution is significant _ he puts men down in the tackle, organises others and usually makes the right call on distribution.
The problem is Kahui can't be left to fester in the stands. The balancing act for selectors is to somehow keep fierce competition between the two and also allow Kahui game time to develop.
Smith spoke of his sympathy for Kahui during the week. "I've been in a similar position, feeling like you're playing well but can't sort of crack into the side. It's something we all go through. I always knew he would play well. He's a class player. It's the beauty of being an All Black I suppose - you face a lot of competition from the guys you play against and the guys within your team."
After three years of struggling to find a No 13, now the All Blacks have two players of the highest quality vying for the jersey. It's not an easy situation for selectors but it is made easier by the maturity of Kahui.
The 22-year-old is the best example of the new breed of professional coming through the system. Whereas five years ago, there were concerns about the vacuous nature of young players and their insularity, Kahui is articulate, rounded and at ease with his responsibilities.
His career can be mapped out as a result. He's not happy about missing out on selection but Kahui at least realises his time will come if he's prepared to be patient.
Assistant coach Wayne Smith has been around for a long time and says that Kahui's performances this season would normally merit a place in the strongest All Black side.
"The only thing is that Conrad's performances merit it as well," says Smith. "The other thing is that they are both extraordinary team men. There haven't been many better in my time. I was speaking with Richard the other day and he was pretty realistic and supportive of Conrad. He obviously wants a crack himself. He'll get opportunities - he's going to be a great All Black. To date he has taken every opportunity he has had and you can't do a lot more. He can't control the decisions we make; he knows that and he just has to keep on going."
One way to provide the opportunities they both crave is to play Kahui at second five. He's got the sleight of hand, the direct running and the power defence required to make an impact closer to the breakdown.
Such a move would be treated as radical in New Zealand but most other countries see 12 and 13 as interchangeable, viewing them as an inside and outside centre pairing.
The All Blacks have run Kahui and Smith as a pairing in training and the chances are high that they could feature as a midfield combination against either Wales or England.
"We have got to be pretty factual and tell them how it is," says Smith. "But they are both playing well so I think they will both get opportunities. A lot of people say Conrad is smaller but there is only about two kilograms in it. There is going to be a contest. There is no easy solution.
"All we can do is communicate with him and make it stimulating so he wants to be here. The challenge is to keep them on task and maybe there are options with other positions. We have been practising a bit with Richard at 12 to see if he can cover there."
Kahui's stardom is destined. No one would doubt that. Guessing exactly when is not easy but by 2011, he has the potential to be one of the biggest names in the world game.
His destiny is now linked into the skill of the coaching panel. Can they keep his development moving along while allowing Smith the time he needs to fulfil his potential?
