Norm's back - and short of backup

Norm Maxwell

Bring back Norm. Or more importantly, let's hope Norm Maxwell's back returns to norm.

Just a few weeks into the season, an All Black team is already taking shape and the not-so-old warhorse Maxwell appears to be a vital component.

After Maxwell travelled the world to find himself last year, the All Blacks have found they might be in some trouble if the 29-year-old lock isn't fit and firing for the Lions series.

Maxwell re-emerged in the black jersey at the end of last year - after playing in the NPC - including in the Paris triumph.

Because of a back problem, Maxwell had a late start to full training this year and at one point, Crusaders coach Robbie Deans suggested he would only return after the clash against the Blues.

But he was a major presence at Eden Park last Saturday, and part of a lineout which embarrassed the home side.

Maxwell isn't an 80-minute prospect yet, but his comeback is gathering energy. Crusaders captain Richie McCaw couldn't wait to leap in with praise for Maxwell afterwards, gushing about Maxwell's influence on team mates.

It's a common sentiment - the only words you hear about the shaggy-haired giant is that he is an ultimate team man, as uncomplicated off the field as he is on it.

Chris Jack is as certain as certain gets in the All Blacks, but who will play alongside him?

Maxwell is just about the only other lock candidate right now.

We can just about rule Keith Robinson out because of his back problems, despite strange cries of enthusiasm out of a Chiefs training camp this week. Attempts to interview Robinson were repelled by the Chiefs management, who seemed keen to muffle too much enthusiasm and wanted Robinson left alone in his recovery work.

This was a familiar dance of confusion on such matters between rugby teams and the media. But still, it would be an enormous risk hurling a man who has undergone such major surgery into a major test series.

As for Ali Williams - suspension or no suspension, his freewheeling footwork on and around McCaw on Saturday night showed that the body part to be most concerned about is a wee bit higher than his back.

McCaw may have been cheating, and even receive favourable treatment from referees. The bottom line, though, is that if you trample the head, you are in great danger of being dismissed and suspended. There just isn't any point to the exercise.

Of the other contenders, of whom there are very few, Jonno Gibbes still looks like more of a converted loose forward.

Super 12 form at this point plays almost no part in test selections. But there have been encouraging signs and particularly from the Crusaders' inside back combo of Justin Marshall, Dan Carter and Aaron Mauger. Marshall is firing nicely after being rested from the last All Black tour. His impending move to Britain should not make any difference to his prospects. The choice Graham Henry and co. face between Marshall and Byron Kelleher is among the most intriguing.

Carter is a shoo-in as All Blacks first five-eighths, and Mauger is re-emerging as a force outside him. Hallelujah. He is a class player, a strong defender and clever option-taker who would also give the All Black backline added tactical kicking nous.

And the big mover - new Crusader wing Rico Gear. Move over Doug Howlett - he is so hopelessly out of touch and confidence that, in this case, early Super 12 form might be telling.

A possible first test team to face the Lions.

Mils Muliaina
Rico Gear
Tana Umaga (c)
Aaron Mauger
Joe Rokocoko
Dan Carter
Justin Marshall
Rodney So'oialo
Richie McCaw
Jerry Collins
Chris Jack
Norm Maxwell
Carl Hayman
Anton Oliver
Tony Woodcock