Inga Tuigamala: Two years left for lads to grow into their jerseys

I've been critical of the All Blacks this year, like many others, and it is a season that many will view as a failure.

I'd like to offer my congratulations to South Africa for the way they have stormed to the Tri-Nations title, and the victory in Hamilton has inevitably led to more criticism aimed the All Blacks' way.

But there comes a time when the constant criticism is counter-productive and this feels like a time to back off a bit.

In terms of the World Cup, the all-important World Cup, I'm not as gloomy about the All Blacks' prospects as maybe some others are.

One thing is for sure, it is far better having to reassess the direction and selections two years out than it is with the tournament about to start.

It's better to stuff up now than in two years time, and at least we still have the Bledisloe Cup in the cupboard.

A lot of people will be very disappointed and frustrated with what has gone on this year but in terms of timing alone, I feel quite upbeat.

There's no doubt at all that the All Blacks need more options to their game, the ability to vary things.

And they can't keep relying on Dan Carter and Richie McCaw the way they do.

If you look at South Africa, they have match winners all over their side, from prop and captain John Smit to young Francois Steyn, the goalkicking colossus, at fullback.

The All Blacks don't have that.

This is a message our players need to take on board as they go into the final Tri-Nations match of the season.

Players have got to be prepared to die for the jersey. We need players who will stand up, provide the x-factor, the leadership and charisma, to take the game to the best of our opponents.

I've already mentioned how South Africa are stacked with such players, and you don't have to look too far back in our own past to see teams who also had such men.

Do I need to mention Sean Fitzpatrick, Zinzan Brooke, Michael Jones, John Kirwan, Tana Umaga and so on.

Yes, success is built over time, but there also comes a time when time for this theory runs out.

For instance, how many chances does a player like Joe Rokocoko get? I know Rokocoko can still do the business, and I feel with the right preparation he can come roaring back next year.

But when I played, if I didn't produce the goods Laurie Mains quickly had me out of the team, sitting on the sideline contemplating where I had to improve in my training and game.

I would like the selectors to give some of the new breed a chance on the end of year tour. But the time is also upon them to weed out the players who are just making up the numbers.

They need a well tuned squad who they know only includes players who will produce the goods, and ensure we are in peak form for the World Cup.

I just hope the players out there know, as someone like McCaw always shows, that playing for the All Blacks is the pinnacle.

Coaches can do all they like during the week, but they have to show the ability to have the players absolutely ready on game day.

And while coaches can try to instil the skills and tactics into the players, they can't provide the determination and desperation that has to lie in the heart of an All Black. That can only come from deep within, and that's what I believe many people want to see from their All Blacks.