KEY POINTS:
Mils Muliaina's days as an All Blacks rugby centre appear over.
It's been said before but the plethora of centres named in this year's squad and comments from backs coach Wayne Smith suggest Muliaina will now be considered at fullback only.
The 27-year-old is posted there for his 56th test against Ireland in Wellington tomorrow night.
It will be his 43rd test at fullback, having made five early appearances on the wing and eight more latterly at centre.
Muliaina has been routinely swapped since first playing at centre in 2006, one of several options tried to replace former captain Tana Umaga.
He appeared there in the World Cup quarterfinal loss to France last October, to much criticism as specialists Conrad Smith and Isaia Toeava were ignored.
Conrad Smith will wear the No 13 jersey tomorrow and Wayne Smith outlined the contingencies if the Wellingtonian was injured. None of them involved a return for Muliaina.
The first option would be to introduce Stephen Donald for his debut at first five-eighth, shifting both Daniel Carter and second five-eighth Ma'a Nonu out one spot.
Another solution would be to slot new winger Anthony Tuitavake there, with Muliaina going on to the wing.
And a long-term option at centre is Richard Kahui, who is unavailable this week due to injury.
It appears fullback is Muliaina's lot this year, setting up an intriguing season-long duel with Crusaders custodian Leon MacDonald.
Meanwhile, Wayne Smith yesterday issued another endorsement of Nonu, who is set to dominate the second five-eighth role this year if form warrants it.
One chink in his game has been a propensity for high tackles but Smith believed that had been eradicated.
"There were very few occasions in the Super 14 when he tackled above the ball," he said.
"He's a strong defender, he tackled low and put them on the deck. That's improved his game markedly."
Nonu, who inherits the role of Europe-based duo Aaron Mauger and Luke McAlister, was no longer a one-dimensional attacking force, Smith added.
"His passing game's been good, the best of the midfielders, and he's developed that. And he's continued to be the threat that he's always been."
- NZPA
