Inga Tuigamala: Testing times for All Blacks loosies

Opinion

Tokyo may prove to be a make-or-break test match for Rodney So'oialo, but I believe his presence in the starting XV gives the All Blacks their best loose forward trio.

The combo of Richie McCaw, Adam Thomson and So'oialo is packed with power, speed and skill, but after a 60-test career it is also fairly clear that So'oialo's test future has been put on the line after being left out of the lineup at times this year.

I believe the selectors have played a bit of a mind game with him, dropping the longtime No 8 to see how he responds. To me, he is still our best No 8 and at times this year we have missed his physicality and presence.

The thing with So'oialo is that he is a leader, which means his full value is only realised when he starts games, rather than being on the bench.

So'oialo is so dynamic, and puts his body on the line every time, and the opposition know they are going to get hurt when they put their body over the ball. He's also a great support act for McCaw in his openside flanker work.

The question here is what have the selectors indicated to So'oialo about where he needs to lift his game, and is he able to do it?

I think Graham Henry has wanted to get more hunger back in So'oialo's game, and this tour will tell the story as to whether he has achieved that.

So'oialo has signalled his intention to fight for the jersey which is a fantastic attitude, although at times he must have felt a bit disillusioned at being left out.

I've always been a big fan of Thomson. He reminds me of Alan Whetton, a player who will always do the hard work and who others love to have on their side.

It's also exciting to see the inside back combination of Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith starting the match, and Nonu has been a jewel for the All Blacks this year in a difficult season.

The All Blacks are huge favourites for tomorrow's game in my opinion, but apart from the immediate battles, these end-of-year tours are tremendous opportunities for rival coaches Henry and Robbie Deans to make bigger statements.

I'm sure that in Henry's case, it is a final chance to narrow his squad down to the players he intends using as he builds up for the 2011 World Cup.

In Deans' case, the big call has been putting his outstanding veteran forward George Smith on the bench, and this may be a case of having to balance the situation against the risk of Smith playing too much rugby. There are four tough games ahead against the Northern Hemisphere teams who are rugged opponents in their own backyard.

The game in Tokyo is sold out which is a boost for rugby, and I'm delighted to see these superpowers of the game playing there.

In more familiar territory though, the Air New Zealand Cup has reached the semifinals stage and I'm picking the underdogs Hawkes Bay and Southland to beat Canterbury and Wellington.

Hawkes Bay have a pack which fear no one, and will be smarting from their recent loss to Canterbury where they were unfairly denied a late try. Hawkes Bay may have gone into big games in the past with a slight inferiority complex, but not any more. Southland are on a roll and will be full of confidence after lifting the Shield.