All Blacks: Crotty looms as key figure

Ryan Crotty of the All Blacks makes a break. Photo / Getty Images

Who needs SBW? Ryan Crotty hold the key to Ellis Park test

Malakai Fekitoa will probably wear Ma'a Nonu's No12 jersey against Argentina in Buenos Aires but Ryan Crotty, who will return to the game from injury for Canterbury next week, is looming as a key figure in the All Blacks' rematch against the Springboks in South Africa.

Crotty was preferred to Fekitoa at second-five for the recent Rugby Championship test against Australia at Eden Park - his first start in eight tests - following Nonu's shoulder injury in Sydney and he excelled in all areas before leaving the field with a fractured cheekbone. He doesn't have the power and explosiveness of Fekitoa, but he still has the ability to beat defenders, and what sets him apart is his decision-making and passing game, two areas which could be key at Ellis Park on October 5. Crucially, he is also a specialist second-five. Fekitoa is more a centre who can play No12.

The Boks got extremely close to the All Blacks in Wellington at the weekend with a mixture of opportunism, breakdown aggression and ruthless defence before succumbing 14-10, and they will look to put immense pressure on Steve Hansen's inside backs at their spiritual home in Johannesburg. Crotty has long been highly rated by the All Blacks selectors, but for a variety of reasons, including the presence of Sonny Bill Williams, only made his debut last year. As Hansen waits for Williams to become available once his NRL contract with the Roosters ends (he won't return until the November tour), Crotty's value is on the rise.

For the All Blacks selectors, combinations are key.

"Obviously, the more you can get people that complement each other, the better," assistant coach Ian Foster said during the week of the 51-20 win over the Wallabies in Auckland. "Whoever goes in there we have got to make sure that they look at all the skill-sets for the 12."

Conrad Smith will be crucial in easing the way for Fekitoa should he be given the No12 jersey at La Plata a week on Sunday.

The past two tests at the stadium have been comfortable victories for the All Blacks, however, as the Pumas are usually out on their feet by this stage of the competition. That won't be the case against the South Africans at their high citadel a week later.

NZ Squad for Argentina and South Africa
Hookers: D. Coles (Argentina only), N. Harris, K. Mealamu.
Props: W. Crockett, C. Faumuina, B. Franks, O. Franks, J. Moody.
Locks: B. Retallick, J. Thrush, S. Whitelock.
Loose forwards: S. Cane, J. Kaino, S. Luatua, R. McCaw, L. Messam, Kieran Read.
Halfbacks: T. Kerr-Barlow, TJ Perenara, A. Smith.
First five-eighths: A. Cruden, B. Barrett, C. Slade.
Midfielders: R. Crotty (South Africa only), C. Smith, M. Fekitoa.
Outside backs: I. Dagg, C. Jane, C. Piutau, J. Savea, B. Smith.