The Blues scrumhalf has been selected to play his fourth test on Sunday. Photo / Getty Images
One of New Zealand's finest No 9s has backed Alby Mathewson to be a success in the halfback role because of his ability to beat players with his running game.
Dave Loveridge, taking a tourparty around the United Kingdom
and Ireland over the next month, said of the three halfbacks on
tour, Mathewson was the "most dynamic runner".
The Blues scrumhalf has been selected to play his fourth test on Sunday, but it will be his first start.
"He's a very adept runner. He's got that initial speed over five, 10, 15 metres," Loveridge said.
"From a running point of view it gives them another threat. With
Sonny Bill Williams and Ma'a Nonu, most teams will have their hands full
looking after those two and Mathewson is also noted for his running
ability."
Loveridge, who has worked with the 24 year old in the past, said that
Mathewson cleared the ball and kicked well, but it was his running the
separated him from Jimmy Cowan, who was strong in a losing effort last
week against the Wallabies, and Andy Ellis.
It remained to be seen if he had the capacity for accurate option taking
that is the key at test level.
"I've always said you have to possess the skills of being a good passer
of the ball, a good kicker and a good runner, but the secret is knowing
when to use each one," Loveridge said.
Graham Henry said the reasons for picking Mathewson ahead of his
more experienced colleagues were simple.
"It's a good situation for him to prove himself in. He's a good athlete.
He's quick, puts pressure on defences around the fringes and we wanted to see how he would handle the situation and how other teams
will handle him."
