Wynne Gray: Serious talent likely to be spectators for Cup

The All Blacks would be at a loss if Richie McCaw was forced to be a RWC spectator. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Much of the musing midway through the Super 15 has been about how the All Black selectors will squeeze their midfield talent into a World Cup squad.

It is a luxury at this stage but it only takes an injury or two to shake some of that surplus security. And damage will surely happen.

If players like Richie McCaw, Piri Weepu and Colin Slade in New Zealand, Rocky Elsom, Peter Hynes, Stephen Hoiles in Australia, Juan Smith and Tiaan Liebenberg in South Africa have yet to start their Super 15 engines, there will be others who conk out before the World Cup.

If midfield has brought a clutch of talent such as Conrad Smith, Robbie Fruean, Richard Kahui, Jared Payne, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Tana Umaga and Luke McAlister into focus, what about wing?

The All Black panel have used a dozen players on the wing since the last World Cup and 10 of them are still running around in this year's Super 15. Four of them - Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga - are on show tonight in what shapes as a mini-trial in Hamilton.

If the national selectors opt to take 14 backs and 16 forwards into this year's World Cup, they are likely to pick three wings and others who can cover. Some serious talent will end up watching matches from their lounges or stadium grandstands.

Apart from tonight's quartet of contenders, Kahui, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Zac Guildford, Israel Dagg and Isaia Toeava have all played wing for the All Blacks since the last World Cup. Add on other candidates such as Fruean, Julian Savea and Sean Maitland and the selection options multiply.

If only there was that much choice at lock or first five-eighths.

What a contrast from a few decades ago when you wanted your wings to be great finishers. Now so much more is expected of them.

They have to be reliable defenders, able to front up in one-on-one marking, have to be strong communicators to help their fullbacks, need big motors in cover defence and a sound kicking game.

And on attack, they have to be devastating.

Contrast the current wings with those who played at the inaugural World Cup - John Kirwan, Craig Green and Terry Wright. All fine players in the amateur era but with markedly different skills and physiques from those who are aiming to be on the flanks at the second World Cup in this country.