Switch could be key for out-of-sorts Ross

Isaac Ross. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury will be determined to play Isaac Ross at lock in the ITM Cup. The Crusaders are believed to see Ross as a lock and will be looking to play him there in next year's Super 15.

The All Blacks see Ross more as a blindside, presenting the 25-year-old with some major obstacles to overcome if he is to restore a test career that looked promising this time last year.

What's he to do? No one wants to see his talents wasted. There is an exceptional rugby player waiting to burst out of the chrysalis of the athlete.

But there is a real possibility of him being neither one thing nor the other and fading, with everyone shaking their heads about a waste of talent.

All Black forwards coach Steve Hansen made this assessment: "He's an athlete who has a tremendous array of skills. I'm not sure that he's a lock, he might be a loose forward.

"There is certainly a skill set within his game that is right up there, it's world class in some areas. But at this stage I'd like to see him lift his work rate. At lock he's not giving us that, hence he's not here. Even if he's a flank, he'll have to lift his work rate around the breakdown area and be more effective.

"He's well aware of that, it's the same reason the Crusaders didn't pick him."

Hansen has effectively challenged Ross. If he's a lock, then he needs to find a hard edge, up his work rate and improve his core strength. Those improvements would kill any debate and see Ross back in the All Black frame.

Proving he's a world-class lock has to be the goal for Ross in the ITM Cup. That's really what the All Black selectors want him to do - to give them no choice but to select him in the position to which they believe he's best suited.

If Ross can't find that edge, then he's going to have to re-invent himself.

The parts of his game which are world class - mobility, speed, ball skills and aerial work - need a better positional home.

The only problem with switching position is game time. Canterbury will have to be persuaded to give it a go but with Sam Whitelock likely to be with the All Blacks for most of the campaign and James Broadhurst having transferred to Taranaki, the reigning champions are short of bodies at lock.

The Crusaders are better equipped, having Brad Thorn, Whitelock and Chris Jack. They are also in talks to bring Adam Thomson to Christchurch.

It seems the ITM Cup is the last chance for Ross to work his way into the All Blacks end of year tour party.

If he can do that, Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder will be happy to play Ross more than he did this year.

If Ross can't make the necessary progress, he has to consider shifting from the Crusaders where he's the fourth-ranked lock.

He drafted to the Highlanders in 2008 and it served him well. The Chiefs would be the obvious place for him next year as they have lost Kevin O'Neill.

The chance to play regularly at the Chiefs and the pressure to lead from the front could be the making of Ross. It might be the only way to resurrect his career.