So'oialo emerges as genuine hard nut

Versatility used to be Rodney So'oialo's greatest weakness. Now it's his greatest strength.

In his early years he jumped around all three backrow berths, attempting to play like a seven regardless of the number he wore.

Now he just plays No 8, mixing his game up to incorporate elements of all three positions.

Accusations he's too loose, too flighty to be an All Black No 8 are no longer being levelled at the 25-year-old.

Since last year's NPC, So'oialo has transformed into a genuine hard nut. He has always been able to pull off the occasional showpiece big hit, but now he mucks in at the crucial battle zone round the fringes.

His upper body strength, so apparent whenever he encounters a double-digit Jessica out in the wilds, is being put to effective use in the close-quarter grappling.

Sometimes it's hard to spot, but those who watched closely last night would have seen how he works so hard at turning bodies in the tackle.

There was also one lovely sleight of hand to free Ma'a Nonu. Although not shown last night, he is the best in the country at stripping lineout jumpers the instant they land clutching their booty.

It's hard to believe he could ever again be tossed around like a rag doll as he was a couple of years ago by Lawrence Dallaglio.

There's a fair chance we might find out for sure next month.

So'oialo needed a big game last night to ward off the fast-improving Mose Tuiali'i. He duly delivered and must now have one hand on that test jersey.

As does his trusty sidekick Jerry Collins, who was a bit more fire and brimstone last night, although he did put in a daft grubber midway through the first half.

Like So'oialo, Collins has never been short of free advice, much of it nonsense. All Black forwards coach Steve Hansen is the only man who has dropped sense into Collins's ear.

Last year he encouraged Collins to rediscover his ability to run at space rather than flesh and bones.

In the last couple of years he got caught up looking for too much contact.

That problem has not been eradicated, but Collins was last night pretty successful at getting his side going forward by more judicious contact management.


- HERALD ON SUNDAY