A back three puzzle that was hard enough to solve already has taken on a new element of complexity now Cory Jane has effectively been pegged as a right-wing specialist.
The veteran All Black won't be considered for the No 11 jersey again, having found the role alien and hardto adjust to in last week's first test at Eden Park. Jane, who began his career as a fullback, is now essentially a right wing only in the All Blacks' eyes, which is going to make it challenging for him to continue adding to his test caps.
Recognised as the best player in world rugby at taking high balls and launching counter-attacks from deep, Jane was hesitant and subdued when playing on the left wing at Eden Park. All Black coach Steve Hansen revealed that was the major reason for returning Julian Savea to the fray last night.
"The big thing is it allows Cory Jane to go back on to the wing that he's more suited to play on," Hansen said. "He was all at sea last week. He didn't seem to get up for the high ball. He wasn't comfortable jumping off his left leg as opposed to his right leg."
Hansen's yes was emphatic when asked if he would be reluctant to play Jane on the left wing again.
All of which essentially means that once Israel Dagg recovers from his knee trouble, which may not be until the Rugby Championship, Jane is going to be in direct competition for a starting role with Ben Smith.
Either that or Jane is going to have to hope he, Smith and Savea do enough in the June series to convince the selectors to persevere with them as their preferred back three even when Dagg recovers.
That is Jane's best, and maybe only, route into the team, as his deficiencies on the left wing have reduced his value as a potential option for the bench. While he can cover fullback, he'd be considered less versatile than the other possible outside-back options.
Ben Smith can cover fullback, both wings and the midfield. Israel Dagg has played on both wings and fullback. The injured Charles Piutau, once he recovers, can cover both wings, fullback and possibly centre. Savea is the only left-wing specialist in the squad but started professional life on the right.
Jane has made life harder for the selectors but simpler for himself. His only route into the team is to establish himself as the best No 14 available.
