In one of those “I had a horrible feeling this may happen” moments, news has come through this morning that All Blacks star Dan Carter is out for 3 – 4 weeks with a calf injury. This alongside Ma’a Nonu injuring his ankle, and Francis Saili looking questionable as well, the question must once more be posed; “Do the All Blacks have the depth to keep absorbing these injury hits?”
Yes, Aaron Cruden is there to step in for Carter, but as was shown in the Rugby World Cup, when we went through four number 10’s in the series, these guys are only human. Cruden is great, I’ve said as much many times, but I have to acknowledge, having Carter on the field brings a huge psychological advantage to the game. Carter’s boot is feared around the world, and while Cruden is easily as good he doesn’t yet have the same on field presence that Carter does.
Ryan Crotty, the potential stand in for Saili, is another faily unknown quotient. A consistent performer in the Canterbury Crusders, I must admit I’ve not seen much of him at top grade levels. Doesn’t mean he can’t perform of course, but when we’re going up against an on form and fired up Wallabies team we need bring our A+ game.
To be fair, it’s not all doom and gloom. Julian Savea and Ben Smith are forming a very strong alliance with Fullback Israel Dagg. These three combined will keep any team on their toes, Savea and Smith are both adept at moving the ball well, and Dagg has proven many times he knows how to be in the right place at the right time. Dagg has been a form player for a while now, and certainly looks set to maintain a dominance in his position. Smith seems fairly certain to maintain his role in the trio with Cory Jane still out with his ongoing knee injury.
Test veteran Richie McCaw looks set to return to the field as well, after something like 270 days since wearing the number 7 jersey. Steve Hansen has repeatedly expressed confidence in McCaw, and has stated he knows McCaw is ready to start the test on Saturday night.
As I’ve pointed out though, and as many other rugby commentators have noted, age is beginning to weary this All Blacks side. Weepu is out, Mealamu and Hore can’t have many games left in them, Read is looking old, and Conrad Smith is likely going to have his number up at the end of this season. There is some buoyancy from the news Benji Marshall is coming back to rugby union, but it’s not Fullbacks we need, it’s cover in the other positions. Much as I dislike Sonny Bill Williams, perhaps it wouldn’t be a bad thing having his speed and youth back on the wing again.
All Kiwi Rugby eyes will be on ANZ Stadium Saturday night, and I’ve got to admit, I’m not brimming with confidence. I believe we probably can beat the Wallabies, but it’s going to be a tight match, and I think we’re only just going to get away with it.
Upon reflection…Hey, Benji, you free this weekend bro?
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