All Blacks: Vito sets back-up bench mark

Victor Vito. Photo / Getty Images

Of all the challenges facing the All Black coaches this year, making judicious use of the bench will arguably be the toughest.

Last night's back-up crew were crammed with raw talent but staggeringly light on experience. There were three players with no test experience and Aled de Malmanche - who is listed as having two caps, yet his total gametime actually amounted to eight minutes off the bench.

Zac Guildford added another two caps to the mix - proper ones - and 76 of the total of 80 came from Neemia Tialata with 41 and 35 from Piri Weepu.

Test rugby is a 22-man game these days. The bench has to be able to add something. Good sides all have the ability to change the tempo, the direction and the outcome through the introduction of new blood.

The All Blacks potentially have that in Victor Vito. He has the raw power and speed to be a game-breaker. They have an aggressive, aerial threat in Sam Whitelock, whose energy late in the piece lifts others.

Guildford has shown an attacking flair this season with the Crusaders that the All Blacks want to develop. He pops up in unusual places, makes clever passes and times his entry nicely to make space for others.

There is excitement about the potential of all three but they need to become accustomed to the pace and intensity of test rugby. They need experience - yet it's not that simple. Their introduction was carefully planned.

The starting XV have been put under pressure to find their best form early - there will be little tolerance for slow starts. The goal for the June series is to rattle both opponents early, subdue them then systematically dismantle them. Superiority on the scoreboard is the key to utilising this bench.

Complicating matters is three new caps in the starting XV. Aaron Cruden can't be asked to spend a lot of time at 10 if Benson Stanley is at 12. That's too big an ask. Expect to see him given 15 minutes against Wales with Dan Carter switching to 12 to guide the youngster.

Bringing Guildford on to form a back three with Israel Dagg and Cory Jane would carry risk, too, as would pairing Whitelock with Boric.

De Malmanche can run as powerfully as anyone in the world game. But his lineout throwing is vulnerable under pressure. He needs to be given more exposure, preferably when the game is not still on the line.

Vito is the only one of the new caps who can probably be thrown in at any time.

The bigger question with Vito is whether he's introduced as a blindside or No 8. While he's played most of his rugby this year at No 6, the All Black selectors are thought to be keen on him as a No 8.