Abundance of talent revealed

By WYNNE GRAY

The All Black family has been extended, with more than 40 wearing the black test jersey this season.

After the 43-17 victory yesterday against Wales in a year of 11 tests when the side lost twice - against the Wallabies and England - and drew against France, coach John Mitchell considered he would have a tough job picking his best squad.

That group of more than 40 does not include former skipper Anton Oliver, Troy Flavell, Greg Feek, Jerry Collins or Ron Cribb, who were injured and out of the reckoning for international selection this season.

Mitchell got his way when he brought a developing group to play England, France and Wales. Only he and assistant Robbie Deans know what they were looking for, what requirements they wanted from individuals.

But from the sideline, new or reconstituted men such as Carlos Spencer, Danny Lee, Ali Williams, Keith Robinson, Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu will demand continued inspection of their international pedigree.

A verdict is not really possible about new players who got only a brief chance, such as Daniel Braid, Regan King, Keith Lowen, Tony Woodcock, Rodney So'oialo, Bradley Mika and Steve Devine.

They may have decided about Lowen, considering their selection preference for the Welsh test, while Mika has potential, but his weight and limited lineout prowess may count against him.

Of the seasoned guard, Jonah Lomu hinted at a revival for a third tilt at the World Cup, while Christian Cullen, Taine Randell, Kees Meeuws, Joe McDonnell, Carl Hayman and Sam Broomhall are giving it the two-steps- forward, two-back routine.

Those All Blacks most likely to be sweating at home would be Byron Kelleher and Norm Maxwell, purely because of their lack of matchplay, while Mark Hammett has been given even more competition for his place.

This tour has underlined the gap Leon MacDonald left when several concussions removed him from fullback. Cullen and Ben Blair do not possess his allround pedigree.

Even with Aaron Mauger not playing to his premium standards this year, he is still without great competition, although that may come from his Canterbury team-mate Mark Robinson, who looked strong there against France.

Spencer earned the plaudits of Mitchell and Deans, despite playing only 30 minutes against England before his shoulder gave out. They were impressed by his NPC campaign, his work on tour and have told him to get his injury fully right before he returns to rugby.

Tighthead prop Greg Somerville should be unchallenged for his job. Not only does he scrum strongly, but his general play on defence is far stronger than that of Meeuws'.

His partners in the front row remain unclear. Dave Hewett, perhaps, but Feek is a better loosehead scrummager and, if his neck injury repairs, he will bring a decent challenge.

Take your pick at hooker from Oliver, Tom Willis, Corey Flynn, Hammett, Hore or Mealamu. If Oliver does not hit his lineout jumpers consistently, even his power in the engine-room may have to be overlooked.

Chris Jack will be a certainty as one lock, but Williams has made an enormous impact on this trip. His leaping was never disputed, but he has also put his body about and has an aggressive edge to his play.

It is known the All Black selectors favour Reuben Thorne as their skipper. He is not a flashy player, but they remain fans of his close-quarter graft, his composure and character.

He delivers their philosophies, whereas others such as Randell and, especially, Oliver are far more questioning and challenging, traits which do not sit as easily with the coaching staff.

There is depth when you consider the hookers, locks, Richard McCaw and Marty Holah as opensiders, new troops to nudge Justin Marshall at halfback, Mehrtens, Spencer, Mauger, Robinson, Lowen or Steinmetz in midfield.

Areas with not so much depth or room to manoeuvre will be loosehead prop, blindside flanker and No 8, centre and wing.

Umaga is a sensational player, a converted wing improving as a centre, but still with the individual streak which sometimes bites at a team strategy. But, as yet, there is no huge competition for his position, though Robinson is a competent contributor.

Wing is also a little lean. Doug Howlett has been masterful and, in certain games, Lomu could be used, while Caleb Ralph would have been perfect for the defensive work needed yesterday on the shifting surface at the Millennium Stadium.


TOP TEAM:

Coach John Mitchell said he would be strapped to pick his best squad of 22 right now, but what about this lineup?

Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Tana Umaga, Aaron Mauger, Caleb Ralph, Andrew Mehrtens, Justin Marshall, Scott Robertson, Richard McCaw, Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Greg Somerville, Andrew Hore, Dave Hewett. Reserves: Danny Lee, Carlos Spencer, Mark Robinson, Mark Hammett, Kees Meeuws, Norm Maxwell, Marty Holah.