All Blacks v Wales - three questions

NZ Herald

22 Nov, 2014 11:28 PM3 mins to read

In a year of winning ugly, it was fitting the All Blacks had to graft and grind yet another victory that owed everything to their character and resilience. They eased out in the end, won by a couple of lengths, and the fact they did, was a big statement about how tough they are to beat at the moment. The game was genuinely in the balance for 68 minutes and then wham, wham - two quick tries and the All Blacks were looking at a long and glorious summer.

The Herald's rugby writers answer three questions from this morning's All Blacks v Wales test match in Cardiff.

1. Did the All Blacks learn from this tour who their first choice first-five is?

Gregor Paul: Not really no. What they found is that they have four and not three men vying for the job because Colin Slade has dramatically advanced. The smart money should still be on Daniel Carter to prove himself beyond doubt as the best of the bunch.

Patrick McKendry: Yes, if match fit it remains Dan Carter, same as always. However, they have learned that in Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade they have three players of immense quality putting the pressure on. Barrett has probably sneaked ahead of Cruden now, but the selectors are in the great position of being able to select a No 10 depending on the type of game they want to play.

Wynne Gray: They know they have the luxury of multiple choices which will put even more heat on themselves, Daniel Carter, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade to untangle the order next year and settle on THE backline director.

2. What positions, if any, are still up for contention in the All Blacks starting XV?

GP:

When Ma'a Nonu and Cory Jane are both fit, there will be a bit of debate about second-five and the make up of the back three. It's not a simple equation in the back three because Ben Smith has to play somewhere so the uncertainty is whether that will be at fullback or wing. The back three that started against Wales is probably the best one there is.

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PM: First-five and the fullback/right wing equation. Ben Smith played well at No 15 today, with Charles Piutau also doing well on the wing before being replaced by Colin Slade, who moved to first-five as the coaches looked to change things up. Fullback Israel Dagg, not required today, is still in the frame.

WG:

Fullback, the five eighths, centre and prop are all open to change through form.

3. Can Ma'a Nonu find a way back in?

GP: Of course he can. He's a world class player.

PM: Absolutely. Nonu's ability to crunch it up in the face of a blitz defence would have been invaluable today. He is still the best second-five in New Zealand and should be first choice once he recovers from his broken arm.

WG: He is the incumbent until a broken arm took him out. He faces more competition than he has for some time but his 94 tests and this enforced rest will prime him for renewed combat as the starting second five eighths.