All Blacks: Piutau - a good kind of problem

Ma'a Nonu (right) hails Charles Piutau after his try. Photo / Getty Images

The already tough question of what to do with Charles Piutau this week has become harder again.

The young wing strengthened his claim to start against England with two flashes of magic that sneaked the All Blacks home. His solo try highlighted his speed and balance, while his round the back flip pass that set up Kieran Read's try was evidence that he sits alongside Israel Dagg as one of the most instinctive footballers in the squad.

Surrounded by old heads it was the baby of the backline who sparked the All Blacks into life. In fact it was hard to see anyone other than Piutau being the one to change the whole dynamic of the game - not that he feels he did much.

"I passed the ball to Ben Smith and was going to go into the ruck when I saw the ball going through. I was chasing hard and wasn't meant to kick it inside ... but just followed it," he said. And as for the other one: "It was a tough pass but he [Kieran Read] did well."

The argument for not playing Piutau is that he's started the last three tests and in the past, the selectors have been reluctant to give youngsters more than three consecutive starts. Julian Savea sat out a test against South Africa in Johannesburg last year for that reason and Piutau may be asked to do the same.

It would be a tough call given his contribution of late but, at 22, Piutau may benefit longer term from being given next week off. The danger with that, though, is that he's in form and his confidence is growing.

There's also the unavoidable truth that the All Blacks need him more than they would like to admit at the moment. Cory Jane went well in his first test after knee surgery but there will be some reluctance to pitch him in against England. Savea is expected to have recovered from his flu.

There will be three men deserving of a spot but only two can make it. Piutau is a good problem but he's still a problem.