Rugby: Understudies get shot at star role

Kahn Fotuali'i. Photo / Getty Images

It has been the year of the understudy when it comes to halfbacks in this country. Not only has Piri Weepu largely been usurped by Tyson Keats at the Hurricanes but Kahn Fotuali'i overtook Andy Ellis at the Crusaders.

Even Blues No 9 Alby Mathewson could be lumped into that category because he had to escape Wellington to earn a starting place and is now arguably the form halfback in the country, odds-on to earn an All Blacks recall.

It shows that some players have emerged with potential to overshadow more illustrious campaigners or that others have dropped their standards to leave a reasonably bare talent pool. It's probably a bit of both.

Halfbacks, more than other players, have had to adapt to the new law interpretations.

The All Blacks have a dilemma only 17 months out from the World Cup - particularly as the running No 9 has become a much more powerful weapon.

In Weepu's case, he's struggled with the law interpretations. He likes to take a step before assessing his options but the modern game demands a halfback who can clear quickly from the base of the ruck or snipe around the fringes as Keats and Fotuali'i try to approach it.

Mathewson is probably the best exponent and his pass is as crisp as anything in the game. He was an injury replacement for Andy Ellis in his only All Black appearance in 2008.

The understudy could well do it again this time around - although Ellis had a fine match for the Crusaders yesterday.