Our tight five don't foot it: O'Halloran

Wellington are two years away from having the tight forward base necessary to get back to No 1 in the country, says veteran midfielder Jason O'Halloran.

O'Halloran played his final match for Wellington in the 28-10 first division loss to Otago on Saturday.

The performances summed up all the weaknesses of Wellington rugby in one night - and left the defending NPC champions in sixth place.

"We will have to be patient and wait for a couple of years before emerging forwards such as prop Tim Fairbrother can provide the platform the team's lacking at present," said O'Halloran.

An unreliable forward base under pressure from good opponents, inconsistent effort, a lack of intensity and concentration, trying to do the impossible from impossible positions - all the weaknesses were there, as they have been for seasons.

O'Halloran said it would take a couple of years for the developing Wellington Academy and age-group strength to take effect at the top level because the area where it was needed, the tight five, was the domain of older players.

"Everyone knows where we need to work on, and that's up front," he said.

"Basically, we have a superb backline and great loose forwards. We only really have to look at the propping department. It's a key component to the game, and that never changes.

"The academy's a great thing and we'll see guys come through there, but it's going to be the year after next for the likes of Fairbrother and those kind of guys to come through.

"It's great that Dion [Waller] has signed for another couple of years, and Carts [Shane Carter] is playing good, consistent footy. We just need to get a couple of boys around them."

Hiring such players in New Zealand was no longer easy because most unions had their developing players well tied up on contract, and propping was not an area of strength in New Zealand.

There would be no further transfers to Wellington this year after the announcement of Otago lock/loose forward Luke Andrews, and the emphasis was now on developing home-grown product, said O'Halloran.

The next decision is whether coach Dave Rennie will keep his job.

- NZPA