Colin Meads: Special Brew could make a final charge

It's certainly true that I like a good brew.

And the All Black selectors might join my way of thinking if Neil Brew has another strong game in next weekend's NPC final.

The former Taranaki winger is a tough customer and continues to impress at centre. Brew reminds me of Frank Bunce, not only in style of play but also the older he gets, the better he gets.

Brew was outstanding against the Lions and if Otago were to win the final he could be the bolter for the All Black tour.

That might sound surprising but so was suggesting that Otago would beat Canterbury on Friday night.

I was down in Canterbury for a function on Thursday night and all the Otago people were saying they weren't staying in town for the game because their team didn't have a bloody show. One was Laurie Mains. Another was broadcaster Paul Ellison. He said Canterbury would be too clinical.

Well, rugby's totally unpredictable right now.

Otago showed what you can do if you combine well and get stuck in. Those principles of rugby haven't changed since my day.

Otago's loose forwards - Josh Blackie, Craig Newby and Grant Webb - were brilliant as a trio.

They were up against All Blacks, including Richie McCaw who I thought was outstanding. But he was a lone wolf for Canterbury.

You'd have to say Blackie and Newby are a good chance for the Grand Slam tour.

Otago lock Tom Donnelly also looked tremendous and he's played pretty well the last few games. He might have changed the selectors' thinking when it comes to the fourth lock spot, which arguably belonged to Canterbury's Kevin O'Neill before kick-off on Friday. Donnelly and Blackie were also strong in the Super 12 which has to be a factor in selection. 

It's hard to find an excuse for Canterbury's All Black stars. Otago tighthead Carl Hayman has had just as much rugby and he's still playing bloody well.

I've always liked Otago second five-eighths Seilala Mapusua - he would be a good guy to play with because he's always having a bloody go at everything.

And halfback Chris Smylie showed that in New Zealand, talent comes out of the woodwork when there's an opportunity. He's a cocky little bugger, which is what you need at No 9.

No 8, however, is where Mose Tuiali'i failed to live up to his coach's billing as the best in the country. I think the All Black selectors will have to stay with Rodney So'oialo. He does rise to the occasion and the Springbok test in Dunedin is proof he can produce the goods in big-time test matches.

There's an opening as his back-up and it might not be determined until next weekend.

The schemozzle around the ruck and maul is still a disaster. Referees don't know who penalise, commentators argue among themselves over the airwaves, the public are none the wiser.

Coming in from the side of a ruck and a maul should be allowed as long as you're behind the ball. The ball was the offside line when we played.