All Blacks: Midfield riches bring dilemma for coaches

All Black Ma'a Nonu could find himself on the bench again against Ireland, if the selectors choose SBW to start in his favoured 12 jersey. Photo / Greg Bowker

Sonny Bill Williams' immediate success has left the All Blacks with the delicate, yet enviable, task of telling one world-class player each week he is surplus to starting XV requirements.

No matter how it is sliced up, three into two won't go.

The midfield combination has become the biggest source of intrigue looking ahead to the weekend's clash against Ireland in Dublin.

Training overnight should give some indication which way the selectors have leaned, but Wayne Smith yesterday admitted there was no simple solution.

"It's a good dilemma," Smith said. "One of the aims of the tour was to bring some new players into the team, give them an opportunity to bed down and see how they went.

"Midfield, wing and lock are three areas we've really strengthened through those guys [Sam Whitelock, Williams and Hosea Gear] getting game time and performing."

Conrad Smith missed the Twickenham test against England and Ma'a Nonu was on the bench but did not take the field against Scotland. The Wellington No 12 could find himself on the bench again against Ireland if the selectors feel they must use every available opportunity to bring Williams up to speed with test rugby.

Given the egos involved in professional sport, it is a tricky assignment keeping players who have established themselves as world leaders in their position happy with a bit-part role.

"Both Ma'a and Conrad made a pact to help Sonny Bill and everyone in this team wants the best players to be playing for the All Blacks and wants the best players to go through to the World Cup," Smith said.

"They understand he is potentially one of those so they've been helping him get to grips with what we're doing and the little subtleties at this level. Far from shying away from the competition, they've added to his game.

"[Williams] realises Ma'a and Conrad are probably the top-ranked midfield in the world and he's keen to learn off them."

Smith acknowledged there was still a need for "sensitivity" towards the guys who were not playing.

Nonu would appear to be the one whose starting spot is under the most threat. Even given the differences in the standard of the opposition, Williams looked more comfortable at second five-eighths and his combination with Smith against Scotland was a classic blend of brains and rapier.

Smith still considered Williams to have just as much potential a spot further out.

"Whether you're 12 or 13, you simply have to apply the game plan. He's comfortable at 13. Whichever turns out to be his best position, I'm not sure, but it's good to develop him at both. You need that cover and versatility."

Whichever way they turn, the clash in the centres against Ireland veterans Brian O'Driscoll and Gordon D'Arcy promises to be compelling and jarring.

"We're up against a good midfield ourselves - Brian O'Driscoll is probably the best midfielder in the world."

Ireland have flattered to deceive in recent months. They were thrashed by the All Blacks in New Plymouth when reduced to 14 men, before losing to the Maori in Rotorua. They let one slip against Australia in Brisbane, and against South Africa two weeks ago.

An in-form All Black side is probably the last thing they feel like welcoming to their rebuilt stadium at Lansdowne Road.