Filling No 13 jersey challenge for Smith

Wayne Smith

There is nothing unlucky about No 13 to All Black backline coach Wayne Smith.

Amid speculation that solving the problem caused by former captain Tana Umaga's retirement and Conrad Smith's broken leg is one of the bigger headaches for the national selectors, Smith is upbeat about the candidates for the centre spot in the Tri-Nations.

The former All Black views sorting out the centre job as a challenge to relish rather than an issue which has him tossing and turning at night. During the three early scene-setting tests against Ireland and Argentina, the selectors gave each of Ma'a Nonu, Casey Laulala and Isaia Toeava one match to present their credentials.

All have different strengths and while none roared "pick me" to the men in the stands, Nonu and Toeava were named in yesterday's squad of 30 for the Tri-Nations series.

"I certainly wouldn't call it a problem. I think we've got some real talent there. There are some very special players," Smith said yesterday.

"Ma'a can change a game; Isaia showed a lot of talent and composure and Casey's had a great Super 14 and I expect him to persevere in his development. So I don't think there's a void of talent, it's just developing these guys and making sure we make the right decisions along the way."

The one notable absentee from those candidates given a chance is regular All Black fullback Mils Muliaina.

The versatile Muliaina played several games at centre for the Chiefs during the Super 14 and although he played both Irish tests at fullback, it's possible Muliaina will get a run at centre during the Tri-Nations.

That would allow the selectors to use the two standout fullbacks, Muliaina and Leon MacDonald, in the same backline. They have played 37 and 36 tests respectively and leaving one of them out would risk squandering a classy, in-form footballer.

At the 2003 World Cup, MacDonald was switched to centre to cover the absence of the injured Umaga, leaving Muliaina at fullback. It didn't work, but Muliaina has had some test experience at centre and of the pair is the more natural fit at No 13.

"He's got all the characteristics," Smith said. "He's very good close to the gain line, he makes good decisions. It's an option for us."