Ben Lam has impressed but not enough to make an All Blacks squad. Photo / Photosport
Ben Lam has impressed but not enough to make an All Blacks squad. Photo / Photosport
A year ago, anticipation and debate was rising to record levels as the All Blacks waited for their test series with the Lions.
Julian Savea continued to get an approval tick from the selectors although large numbers of the public felt the Hurricanes wing's use-by date had long passed.
This season similar passions are building into discussions about new Hurricanes left wing, Ben Lam, whose work has headlined his side's victories against the Chiefs, Crusaders and Highlanders.
Savea has shifted to the right flank and drifted in form as Nehe Milner-Skudder returned from a long-term injury off the bench last night against the Sunwolves.
Lam was in the national sevens group and in the Super Rugby mix at the Blues and Crusaders where squad rivals and injuries bit into his chances and confidence.
He has always been mighty quick, covering 100m in sub 11 sec but it's been a case of packing more rugby experience around than speed.
His defence and positional work needed attention and when those improved, Lam's confidence built and his work-rate gathered momentum.
The All Black selectors face an awkward choice about Lam and a number of other back four players hoping to squeeze into the 32-strong squad to play France in June.
Parts of his game concern such as carrying the ball in the wrong hand, retention in the tackle and work under the high ball.
Charlie Ngatai, George Moala and Seta Tamanavalu have trimmed the options by signing off-shore deals but there is still plenty of choice.
Unless injuries come in a bundle it will be a case of who misses out.
Julian Savea goes in for a try. Photo / Photosport
That may be decided by the selectors' decision about the mix of forwards and backs in their squad.
Running an extra forward or a third halfback will reduce the outside back numbers and boost the merits of those who cover multiple positions.
Those are other battles Lam has to deal with as his portfolio is placed against All Blacks Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Rieko Ioane, Matt Duffie, David Havili, Damian McKenzie and then Jordie Barrett, Israel Dagg and Milner-Skudder who are at various stages in their return from injuries.
That's ignoring Solomon Alaimalo, George Bridge or Tevita Li who have been doing the business on the flanks this year for their Super Rugby sides.
Lam has impressed but he'd miss out on my squad. He's a big man whose pace is undeniable but parts of his game concern such as carrying the ball in the wrong hand, retention in the tackle and work under the high ball.
Opposition international coaches would look to isolate Lam and target those areas of his game.
They are items the All Black coaches would improve but with so much talent on offer in their backfield that remedial work and guidance should wait until the next round of training camps or a tour to Europe.n
