Richard Loe: No faith in new crop of hookers

Highlander Liam Coltman during training at the Forsyth Barr Stadium. Photo / Otago Daily Times

If, as expected, the All Blacks pick only Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles in their squad to play England today, I'd fully support that.

I don't think Liam Coltman is a test hooker. I'm increasingly sceptical as to whether he is even a Super Rugby hooker.

I thought he looked lethargic for the Highlanders in Brisbane on Friday night and I would question his fitness.

What troubles me most is his throwing. It was so bad, I wondered whether he was playing for the Reds. Coach Jamie Joseph had no choice but to get him off at halftime.

There is no way the All Blacks could reward that mediocre form.

Maybe being left out of the full squad after having been part of the wider group will serve as a kick in the shins for Coltman. Maybe, but I am not sure whether I see him as an All Black.

I often ask people, "what is the core role of each position?" At hooker, you have to be able to throw the ball into the lineout.

Around the country, that is not being done consistently well by young hookers who aspire to be All Blacks. Nathan Harris has shown mobility and energy around the field. But his throwing ... still not on the money.

If I was a Super Rugby team paying these guys $65,000 to $120,000 a year, I'd expect them to be spending an hour or two each day throwing the ball and improving it. That's what I don't understand.

The likes of Coltman, Harris and Ben Funnell have been told what they have to work on and improve. There has been no sign of that happening, though.

If something happens to Mealamu against England, I have little doubt the All Blacks should call up Corey Flynn.

He's still the best hooker that would be available. He won't be available for the Rugby Championship, however, and that concerns me. Without Flynn, there would be no choice but to call up one of the younger hookers.