Wayne Shelford: All Black halfbacks 'too slow'

Andy Ellis. Photo / Getty Images

Andy Ellis for halfback - that's my call for the remainder of the Rugby World Cup.

I can't speak for the All Black selectors, but Ellis needs to be fast-tracked for the big games in the Rugby World Cup because Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu are off the pace.

Tonight's match against Japan should be seen as a chance for Ellis to push his way into the top lineup instead of a consolation appearance.

Ellis had a very good season for the Crusaders. He has speed and energy and would bring the natural advantages of having played a lot with Dan Carter. We need a halfback who can get into the rucks quickly and get the ball away pronto. We will see a lot more from our backs if this is the case.

Cowan was hesitant against Tonga. He appears to be looking around for runners and options all the time. Weepu was a bit slow around the track. The Australian halfback Will Genia is so quick and decisive at the moment and you can see the influence this has on games. He doesn't give defences time to get set, so the attacking options are greater.

There are a couple of other straightforward selections to be made. The pack has taken an obvious shape, especially when Kieran Read returns. Ali Williams and Sam Whitelock are duelling for one of the locking spots, and Whitelock would be my pick.

I don't think the All Blacks can play Ali Williams and Brad Thorn together. They are two old boys and we need the extra energy that Whitelock brings. I know this is not everyone's view, but I believe Williams can be a good impact player.

At fullback, Mils Muliaina and Israel Dagg are in a contest. I haven't seen the old spark in Muliaina and now he has missed the chance to produce it against Japan - how would he do against the stronger sides? Dagg was very sharp against Tonga.

We'd all like to see a far more active All Black side against Japan, and if so they should win by a good 60 points.

This weekend will see a fascinating Pool C match between Australia and Ireland. The Irish have little form and as their captain said, they made too many errors against the United States, but they just might tip Australia over. I see this as being one of the games of the tournament.

As for the tournament in general, I'm getting terrific feedback from our overseas guests, who are so impressed by the way NZ has embraced the cup.

There was so much said and written in the lead-up, but the true test comes once the tournament starts and the interest and atmosphere are building superbly. Slowly the rugby itself - the most important part after all - is taking over.