Gregor Paul: Messam brings dynamism missing in SA

Liam Messam of the All Blacks runs through drills during a New Zealand All Blacks training session. Photo / Getty Images

There probably isn't a better example in test football than Liam Messam to illustrate what hard work, patience and perseverance can do for a career.

Who would have honestly thought a few years ago that Messam could replace Jerome Kaino in the All Black No 6 jersey and the move would be welcomed?

It's tempting to believe Messam has been picked to start purely because Kaino, after a big workload for the Blues and the All Blacks, is running a little flat.

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There is an element of that behind the switch at blindside.

Kaino, from being bustling, bruising and explosive throughout the series against England, hasn't been so noticeably abrasive in his last couple of outings. A break this week and another week off next, should see him find the mental and physical edge he needs to be at his best in the final four tests of the year.

But Kaino being slightly jaded is not the full reason why Messam has been restored to the position he made his throughout 2012 and 2013.

The Chiefs captain returns because the All Blacks need the dynamism and energy he brought to the final 30 minutes at Ellis Park.

The All Blacks need Messam's astutely angled ball carries and his ability to play that bit wider. While the All Blacks have relished having Kaino's close quarter power and drive, they have also missed Messam's ability to play so comfortably that bit wider.

Few people would have picked that. Messam has never been able to win the accolades he deserves as his past pretty much haunts him.

He was the man who could never quite crack test football in his earlier career. He was in and he was out - the intensity seemed to trip him up and by June 2012 it looked like he'd never get it.

He never gave up and look at him now - picked ahead of the people's favourite and entrusted to help the All Blacks get to a higher level.

The question when comparing Messam with Kaino is not which one is the better player. It is a question of trying to determine which one is the better option for the All Blacks.

And on this occasion, it is Messam. It is him because he'll give the All Blacks greater continuity. Messam will better link the forwards with the backs - and he's better suited to playing the high tempo rugby the All Blacks are going to have in mind.

That doesn't mean he's the better player. It simply means that for this test, against an expansively-minded Australia on a fast track, he's the better option.

Kaino will probably return to the starting line-up to play against England and Wales later in the year - games that will most likely be more suited to him than Messam.