Milner-Skudder the perfect tonic for aging All Blacks

Name: Rugby: All Blacks backing Vito against Wallabies
Uploaded: 2015-08-13T14:01:58+12:00
Duration: 196 s
Description: Expert opinion and analysis form Herald scribes Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry as Victor Vito is recalled to bolster the All Blacks and Richie McCaw in tackling twin Wallabies threat.

By Chris Rattue

NZ Herald·

12 Aug, 2015 08:42 PM2 mins to read

Expert opinion and analysis form Herald scribes Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry as Victor Vito is recalled to bolster the All Blacks and Richie McCaw in tackling twin Wallabies threat.

Nehe Milner-Skudder is the perfect tonic for a Dad's Army All Black team which could go stale at the World Cup.

Tried and true is not necessarily a good thing for a world tournament. It is an essential foundation, but selectors need to have faith that newcomers can burst on to the biggest stage.

Newcomers add energy and verve that old timers can struggle to match, although the amazing Richie McCaw still plays with an edge beyond belief for a player who has spent 140-odd test matches in the trenches. Just having a few fresh faces around the camp can even make a difference. Roaring rookies also pose late problems for opposition players, coaches and analysts. Milner-Skudder was threatening to rip Australia apart in Sydney, as the Wallabies clung on before magnificently turning the tables.

Magic man Milner-Skudder's selection for both Bledisloe Cup tests is a good omen for his World Cup chances. Through fate - Cory Jane's injury - or decision, Steve Hansen, Grant Fox and friends have found the exciting new ingredient.

The great thing about Milner-Skudder is he not only leaves defenders grasping, but has the vision and timing to set things up for others. Overall, the backline looks more than capable of bursting with energy.

But Hansen is struggling to find something similar in the forwards. It's a great pity that an Ardie Savea or Elliot Dixon-type couldn't be incorporated.

To pick on one position, the All Blacks are struggling to get dynamic ball running from their blindside flanker. Jerome Kaino showed concerning tiredness in Sydney, Liam Messam is going sideways literally, and Victor Vito is more smooth than smashing. The selectors have been blinkered and shackled by their exceptional winning record, the squad/central contract system, a shortened test season in 2015 and a penchant for long-term planning.

Lock James Broadhurst was a big new hope, but landed a sudden death, poisoned chalice audition in Johannesburg where he lacked grunt. Ultimately, the selectors will be one or two selections short of getting the mix of experience and fresh legs right in the pack.