Many commentators appear to be sold on some of the hot young talent running around in Super Rugby, but in terms of the All Blacks squad for the June internationals, is their injection too soon?
The All Blacks get their season underway in June with a three-test series against Wales, a side that finished well in the 2015 World Cup.
Wales could be bringing a squad to New Zealand that is far from its strongest, the most noteworthy omission being talented fullback and goal kicker Leigh Halfpenny, who’s return from injury that ruled him out of last years Rugby World Cup has hung around for longer than expected, according to media reports.
Despite this, Wales will be a challenge for a new-look All Blacks, through the expectance of their head coach if nothing else.
Warren Gatland is a product of New Zealand rugby, former All Black, and the most-capped player for Waikato in the New Zealand Provincial Championship. Gatland also took the helm of the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2013. Wales don’t often tour New Zealand, and their victories over the All Blacks are even fewer between, but Gatland knows the style of rugby played in his native country, of which he still calls home today, and that should entice his players to listen carefully. Talk of the defending World Champions being vulnerable after the departures of several key leaders should be silenced immediately, because Super Rugby has shown that the next batch of superstars is already ready.
Steve Hansen is likely to select based on faith and proven ability, rather than hot new fan-favourites. Despite his likely plan of attack, the big question for the All Black coach is this; what to with all the other talent sticking its hand up at the moment?
Talk of the talented young fullback Damian McKenzie making his debut for the All Blacks during the end of year tour has quickly been fast-tracked to the series against Wales. Hansen was at Waikato Stadium for the Chiefs recent clash against the Blues, to study McKenzie in particular. Charlie Ngatai couldn’t have staked his claim for an All Black debut more, and on top of his awe-inspiring four try performance against the Western Force, Ngatai has been unstoppable against every side the Chiefs have come up against in 2016.
Other players around the Super Rugby competition like Highlanders number eight Liam Squire and Hurricanes flanker Ardie Savea perform consistently week in and week out, plus the question also has to be asked, does Lima Sopoaga get another shot after his impressive debut against the Springboks? Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden shouldn’t be walk-ins based on their form, but their experience will almost certainly grant their selection, leaving it to Sopoaga to ensure he is next cab off the rank, perhaps by taking the ball to the line more for the Highlanders and chancing his arm.
The All Black squad will be announced in late May.
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