KEY POINTS:
Was it a throwaway line, a smokescreen or an indication of some serious selection difficulties? It was difficult to tell with All Black coach Graham Henry in a beguiling mood as he discussed a host of issues.
He was at Eden Park to promote the new Iveco sponsorship
for his side but was quizzed on a range of topics from the Springbok danger, the form of the reconditioned players, the scrum alterations and the state of New Zealand rugby.
The fag end of the Super 14 was the proving ground, he said, for those who wanted to be part of the World Cup squad, the time when the selectors scrutinised contenders to see how they coped under increasing pressure.
Henry mentioned there were a number of players outside the reconditioning squad of 22 who had impressed but he was not about to identify any of those candidates. Nor was he about to divulge his ideas on who might be picked at centre, the only position left vacant in the reconditioned squad.
"I think it is a contestable position, a very contestable position and we are still looking," he added.
Since Tana Umaga quit, the selectors have used five players in 13 tests at centre, without giving any indication they have settled on a permanent replacement.
Mils Muliaina has started six tests at centre, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu two each and Casey Laulala one international.
Any thoughts Richard Kahui might join that mix have disappeared with his continuing shoulder problems while Anthony Tuitavake has battled a hamstring strain and has not been able to oust Toeava at the Blues.
In deciding on the preferred centre, it might be best to sift who would be the best choice to handle the heat of a World Cup final, who would cope best against midfield opponents like Stirling Mortlock, Matt Giteau, Jean de Villiers, Jaque Fourie, Damien Traille, Yannick Jauzion, Gordon D'Arcy and Brian O'Driscoll.
Which New Zealander would team up best with Aaron Mauger or Luke McAlister to subdue those partnerships and trouble their defences?
Muliaina may play before the end of the Super 14 if his broken foot heals satisfactorily and he is a player with the X-factor. He is probably the best fullback and the best centre in New Zealand, someone with the greatest range of experience, skills, pace and power to be the premier choice in either position.
If Leon MacDonald stays healthy and in form at fullback, the All Black selectors could then choose Muliaina at centre where he offers more class and less mistakes than others.
Smith also has a low error rate, is an efficient defender and has good rugby nous.
He is more a link player who relies on others round him to create chances, he does not possess the attacking clout of Toeava, Nonu and Laulala to break the advantage line and maintain the attacking threat throughout the backline.
Toeava has shown his potential but is still prone to handling glitches and lapses of confidence while Nonu is erratic with his ball security, distribution and decisions once he has cracked the line. Laulala is also a shade unreliable.
If the mix of 30 World Cup players announced on July 22 allows for two fullbacks and two centres, MacDonald, Muliaina, Smith and Toeava should be the quartet but it would not surprise if MacDonald and Muliaina both made the starting XV.
