Impressive Moala best-suited to centre - Former coach

George Moala scored on his test debut against Manu Samoa. Photo / Dean Purcell.

George Moala's solid test debut on the All Blacks right wing may have surprised some, but not his old school and club mentor.

Moala scored the sole try for the visitors in Apia and was staunch in defence against the bigger, more seasoned Alesana Tuilagi.

"I was really happy for him. He put out a good performance in a white-hot atmosphere," said Northland coach Richie Harris, who coached Moala in the 2006-08 Tamaki College First XV and at the Grammar-Carlton club. Moala scored a try and was the standout in the 2012 Gallaher Shield final for the club, now Grammar TEC.

Harris feels the 24-year-old can do a job on the wing, but believes his best position is centre, where his powerful defence can be best utilised. The Blues threequarter, who was used at second five for some of a trying 2015 season, would still rate as "an outside chance" for the Rugby World Cup, though the uncertainty around Cory Jane's fitness may work in his favour. Much will depend on how Highlanders flyer Waisake Naholo takes to test rugby.

However, a strong 2016 Super Rugby campaign for the Blues may again thrust Moala's name forward for the selectors, especially as Charlie Piutau is heading offshore.

Harris believed Moala could go all the way when he first used sighted him in the 2006 Tamaki First XV.

"He was on the wing in fifth form, being the young boy, but in sixth and seventh form (Years 12-13) he was at centre, and was one of the most dominant centres in Auckland, if not, New Zealand, schoolboy rugby," Harris said.

Moala was a prolific tryscorer in the most successful period in the small co-ed school's rugby history. In 2007 they lost a 1A semifinal to eventual champions MAGS. The likes of Afa Pakalani and Howard Sililoto came out of that First XV, while not long before that props Pauliasi Manu and Siua Halanukonuka were making their considerable presence felt in the 1A.

Moala had other distractions at school. He was married while still at Tamaki, and missed a First XV game, but invited the team back for the after-match at his place.

To those who feel Moala's distribution skills are lacking, Harris contends that was more a reflection of how he was used by the Blues, who needed penetration in the midfield due to slower ball from inside.

"There's nothing technically wrong with George's pass. He could distribute as a schoolboy and he is a better passer now," he said, adding that Moala always did extras and always turns up in good nick. His form was strong for one who had a court case - where he was discharged without conviction over an assault charge - hanging over his head for much of the season.

Moala's eye-catching moment of 2014 came when he broke 14 tackles and scored two tries in a display described by Harris as "man amongst boys that day" for Auckland against Waikato.

Where he fits into the 2016 Blues will be fascinating, as they have signed Rene Ranger and Rieko Ioane, two powerful ball carriers who can alternate between the midfield and wing. Lucky, then, that they have a coach in Tana Umaga who knows a thing or two about wearing jersey Nos 12, 13, 14 or 11.