Wouldn't you like to drill into the thinking of Ian Foster and Grant Fox - two men who were backline directors and now make those decisions about the All Blacks.
Two men who felt the burn of pressure at five eighths and understand the nuances of that responsibility and who best fits the template for the June inquisition from Wales.
For the last four years they have helped coach Steve Hansen pick teams and watched as Aaron Cruden and others dovetailed into the All Black patterns when Daniel Carter was out of action.
Then last year, when Cruden was hurt they used Sopoaga against the Springboks and got a significant Four Nations dividend.
Neither made the World Cup squad - Carter was the specialist five eighths with Colin Slade and Beauden Barrett as cover and utility options.