Rugby: Juggling the loose change

Crusaders Matt Todd has been sensational this season. Photo / Getty Images

The return of Richie McCaw will present Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder with a tough decision on which of his incumbent flankers to drop.

It's a decision that goes beyond the Crusaders and one in which the All Black selectors may want to have some influence. As everyone knows, the All Black panel are not certain of their loose forward mix for the World Cup.

McCaw, Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino are certainties, but there is a long list of contenders for what is likely to be two remaining spots. Both Todd and Whitelock are in that chasing pack - both set on being named as the second specialist openside.

It is the former who has particularly impressed. Todd looks ideally suited to the current game. He is a powerful ball carrier who has been eager and willing all season to get his hands on the ball and make a difference. He has been strong in the collision areas, making turnovers and his defence against the Sharks in London was relentless and accurate.

Whitelock has rediscovered some of his zip, but doesn't offer the same dynamism or go-forward as Todd. Blackadder will no doubt be tempted to persevere with Whitelock at blindside when McCaw returns on account of his greater experience.

But there is a growing sense that Todd may be special; that he has the ability to make more of an impact for the Crusaders and the All Blacks.

"I would probably at this stage want to keep the progress of Matt Todd going," says former All Black selector Peter Thorburn. "George Whitelock is a good player and probably more accurate at the tackle, but I don't know that he will make a difference. Todd is a stronger ball carrier."

Thorburn is sure that the All Black coaches will make their feelings known to Blackadder.

The key thing for Thorburn is that no one gets hung up about the number of the jersey that either Todd or McCaw ends up wearing.

Rugby has evolved in the last 12 months to a pass and run game where the skills of the loose forwards have become generic. It is no longer just the openside who has to be able to forage or protect the ball on the ground. Other than off the side of the scrums (of which there are relatively few in Super Rugby), the number on a loose forward's back is essentially irrelevant.

While the All Black coaches may be keen for their opinions to be known, it is unlikely Blackadder will need much help. His judgment has been spot on so far this season.

The Crusaders, despite their brilliance, are likely to run into issues with fatigue, both physical and mental in the back half of the campaign. They have still to travel to Africa which could hit them hard, given they have also played in London.

There is also likely to be weariness associated with never playing in Christchurch. The Crusaders' travel burden for home games is considerable with matches in Napier and Wellington still to come.

So while Todd may initially retain his place either at openside or blindside, it's likely that Blackadder will look to still give Whitelock ample game time as well.

McCaw could be fit in time to face the Chiefs in Tauranga on April 15, but more likely his first game will be against the Highlanders in Nelson the week after.

Last year when McCaw returned late, he initially wore six, with Whitelock in seven and Read at No8.