Opensides must multi-task to ensure selection

The specialist openside is not dead - it's just anyone wearing seven for the All Blacks needs to make a high impact with ball in hand as well as forage on the ground.

It is not enough anymore to just be a classic fetcher. Hence the decision to omit Marty Holah, among the best anywhere at pilfering ball on the ground, from the All Blacks' Grand Slam tour.

The selection criteria for back-row forwards under Graham Henry has been adapted and the explosive theme is a common thread linking all seven loose forwards chosen for the trip to the UK.

Sione Lauaki, Mose Tuiali'i, Jerry Collins, Chris Masoe, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw and even Angus MacDonald all pose a threat when they carry the ball. They can beat the first tackle and offload, which is critical in terms of generating continuity.

They are also destructive in the tackle. Putting men down is good. Driving men back, wrapping up the ball or, better still, dislodging it with the impact of the hit is even better.

The All Black game plan is built on dynamism, athleticism and high skill levels. At the 2003 World Cup, the All Black pack that lost in the semifinal had two ball carriers of note - McCaw and Collins.

New Zealand couldn't take the game to the Wallabies. They didn't have enough firepower to stretch then break the defensive screen.

Curing the impotence is something the current coaching panel are keen to remedy. Assistant coach Steve Hansen said: "That is one of the priorities. We need people who can perform the basic tasks of being a loose forward. We need a fetcher, someone who can get around the park and into the rucks and mauls and be a nuisance and pinch ball. We need someone who is prepared to work hard and another guy who can get us lineout ball and be effective linking with our seven.

"These are the things we are looking for and the ability to carry the ball after that, that's good. Size is important. A top big man will always be better than a top little man.

"We are trying to play a reasonably expansive game. The more people who can carry the ball and offload, the more options we have. But we also want to be the best at set pieces in the world."

It is this desire for explosive athletes that has squeezed Holah out of the picture. Holah is an old-fashioned openside. He's quick, plays low to the ground and makes his presence felt at the breakdown. But at 101kg, he is not a destructive runner, nor does he necessarily have the bulk to shake opposition runners.

Taranaki's Masoe doesn't offer the same turnover return as Holah but he'll break tackles and get his hands on the ball.

"The game has changed somewhat so you need more people capable of being constructive and destructive both in the tackle and the breakdown, as well as carrying the ball," said Hansen.

"We believe Chris can offer the explosive power and fetching we are looking for. We have seen a little bit of that in Super 12 and the NPC. What we haven't seen is whether he can do it at All Black level. If he can, we've discovered another gem.

"We sat down and had a good yarn with Marty and told him what we are doing. He understands those reasons but obviously he is disappointed to be out of the tour. If he wasn't, well, we wouldn't want players that weren't disappointed to be missing out. We will sit down and talk to him again so he understands where he fits in. His days as an All Black are definitely not over. The door is very much open for Marty."

It is open in the sense that the selectors know that with 34 test caps to his credit, Holah is a trusted performer who will deliver a traditional openside performance.

Yet it would seem that the door is more open to the likes of Jerome Kaino, Josh Blackie, Liam Messam and Colin Bourke. Young players who can do the basics and also make a thunderous impact.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY