All Blacks: Legends pick Cowan at halfback

Jimmy Cowan. Photo / Getty Images

All Black greats Sid Going and Dave Loveridge would reinstall Jimmy Cowan as halfback for the June tests.

The pair were unanimous the 33-test halfback should be the premier pick when the squad is revealed on Sunday for the All Blacks' opening international against Ireland and two against Wales.

They were not quite in harmony about his deputy although both placed Blues halfback Alby Mathewson near the head of their selection lists.

Both men loved Cowan's competitive streak, his resilience and his proven record of consistency at the top level, although Going wanted him to eliminate the hot-headed actions which cost penalties.

Separating the contenders is the difficulty for All Black coach Graham Henry and his selection panel, who believe they have a surplus of choice at halfback, loose forward and the back three.

"There are a number of halfbacks who are putting their hands up and I don't think it is an area of deficiency," Henry said.

Halfbacks who have been involved in this year's Super 14 series and are All Black eligible are Mathewson, Chris Smylie and Taniela Moa at the Blues, Brendon Leonard (Chiefs), Piri Weepu, Tyson Keats (Hurricanes), Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i (Crusaders), Cowan and Sean Romans (Highlanders).

Cowan, Leonard and Ellis made the All Blacks' last tour to Japan and Europe while Weepu was used in the middle of the year.

Loveridge likes Cowan's combative nature, his experience and the way he gutsed it out in another tough season with the Highlanders. He was the test incumbent and had played "reasonably well".

His backup choice would be Mathewson, who had benefited from regular matchplay with the Blues and would give the All Blacks the option of a running halfback.

"He has cleared the ball well and has great speed. He gives you a bit of difference and ... is very quick over the first 15 to 20 metres which can be so vital in getting past the first line of defence," Loveridge said.

Going admired those qualities too but gave Leonard a huge commendation, especially after his massive defensive contribution in the Chiefs' final game against the Blues.

"I thought he was immense there and while I know he has not played a lot he can be good on attack too," he said. "I think he has got a lot of ability."

The former great, who played 29 tests and 57 matches in a decade for the All Blacks, thought Weepu had shown glimpses of his talent but needed to show more consistency in his play.

For Loveridge, his next line of preference settled on the Crusaders duo. Ellis' game had picked up recently while Fotuali'i had also shown different facets to his game in a solid season.

"The modern game has a huge emphasis on defence with tacklers trying to slow the ball down so when there is quick possession, I think we need some halfbacks who have an eye for the gap and will strike like Cowan and Mathewson can," he said.

Hurricanes No 8 Rodney So'oialo and wing David Smith will join the Barbarians for matches against England at Twickenham on Sunday and Ireland in Limerick on June 4.

TESTS BY HALVES

Piri Weepu - 35
Jimmy Cowan - 33
Andy Ellis - 14
Brendon Leonard - 13
Alby Mathewson - 0
Kahn Fotuali'i - 0