Umaga's successor chief talking point for Tri Nations

Tana Umaga

BUENOS AIRES - The lucky player to succeed Tana Umaga in the All Blacks No.13 jersey looms as one of the key selection issues to be settled before the New Zealand's Tri-Nations rugby squad is named when the team returns from Argentina tomorrow.

With most of the 30-man squad already pencilled to prepare for the Tri-Nations/Bledisloe Cup opener against the Wallabies in Christchurch on July 8, Umaga's replacement at centre is the main area of conjecture.

Isaia Toeava had his chance to impress against the Pumas here yesterday, although, like Casey Laulala found against Ireland on an Eden Park bog last weekend, he experienced conditions unconducive to showcasing his wide range of skills.

Toeava and new midfield partner Sam Tuitupou were largely confined to a mopping up/containment role as steady rain hampered the contest against the Pumas, won narrowly by the All Blacks 25-19.

The 20-year-old, who is more accustomed to fullback, made a decent fist of his second test but whether it was sufficient to keep in the frame will only be revealed after the team arrive in Auckland.

Laulala and Ma'a Nonu also auditioned for the role with steady if unspectacular success against Irish captain Brian O'Driscoll although that pair and Toeava may both be superseded by new Waikato utility and 37-test veteran Mils Muliaina.

All Blacks back coach Wayne Smith conceded Muliaina was under consideration although fullback is his specialist position.

Muliaina starred at centre for the Blues during the three-time champions' march to the Super 12 title in 2003 but has principally been seen as the last line of defence.

"We didn't feel we needed to throw him in there straight away, he deserves an opportunity to play at fullback but we know he's a genuine centre contender.

"There's no doubt he can be world class there. He's probably at his best when he close to the defensive line, he makes good decisions and has a very high skill level.

"He passes with minimal movement so he can make decisions late."

Smith insisted there was still time to groom Umaga's replacement but if Muliaina was given the nod he had to start playing at centre sooner rather than later.

"The decision (looking ahead to next year's World Cup) has to be made in the next four months or so but if it's going to be Mils he's going to have to start playing there."

Smith said unlike the 100kg-plus Nonu and Laulala, Muliaina would have to have his conditioning programme modified to bulk up.

"He needs to put on a couple of kilos (on his 85kg frame) but that's not a major issue."

While Smith lauded Muliaina's credentials he emphasised confidence in Laulala, Nonu and Toeava.

"Centre is still wide open and the players having a crack at the moment are all good players.

"Despite what people think I think there's quite a bit of talent in the 13 jersey.

"I'm still pretty happy with the development of the guys we've had, they're working hard."

Another hard-working contender, Wellington and Hurricanes centre Conrad Smith, will also be in contention further down the track.

Perhaps the leading candidate as Umaga's successor, Smith has been in a recuperation phase after breaking a leg against the Western Force on February 18.

"He's a long way down the track and it won't be too long before he gets another chance," Smith said.

"Everything Conrad's doing has been spot on, we've never had any doubts about his progress.

"He's been doing a lot of skill work since he got out of hospital -- we expect to have the best passer in the world when he gets back running."

Smith is slated to make his comeback for Wellington during the inaugural Air New Zealand Cup and all going well should be in line for the end of year tour to France, England and Wales.

Meanwhile, Smith said fellow selectors Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Sir Brian Lochore were close to finalising their initial Tri-Nations squad.

"It's fair to say we're pretty close. It's just a matter of identifying what combinations we're going to use, deciding which campaign players are best suited to."

- NZPA