KEY POINTS:
The All Black selectors have never shown unfettered faith in Nick Evans.
Their most glaring apprehension came at last year's World Cup when Evans trained with the side all week for the fateful quarterfinal against France, before Dan Carter - dodgy calf and all - was picked to
play.
Evans had been in sharp form at the tournament; Carter had shown modest form for much of the season and was struggling to overcome a calf strain.
The national panel had long defended their rotation policy as an approach with the benefits of player welfare and developing depth throughout the squad. But when a fit Evans loomed as a better choice than a recovering Carter, the pattern which showed he had started four tests at five eighths in four All Black seasons reappeared.
Throughout his time in the black jersey, there has always seemed to be a reluctance from the national selectors to choose Evans as the starting first five-eighths.
This season, Evans has not demanded that consideration. Not yet. He started strongly, but after his concussion his form - like that of the Blues - tapered off through the middle sections of the Super 14.
For the last two matches he has been at fullback.
He has signed to play for Harlequins and revealed he will leave before the Grand Slam tour. That makes him available for nine tests before that departure, a schedule where another understudy like Stephen Brett or Stephen Donald could be groomed, tutored and tested to see whether he is capable of stepping up to a level with Carter.
And if Carter also chooses to sign on for an overseas deal later this year, then the All Black selectors will have made some headway with the replacement contenders.
Evans' exit will also open vacancies at the Blues and Auckland, where Lachie Munroe will have the inside running unless the Super 14 franchise decides to hire a Danny Cipriani or Jonny Wilkinson to bolster the lean resources.
Carter and Evans have the best test credentials, but it would be a waste of several months not to try one of the "young guns" in place of a departing deputy Evans. Tough maybe, but that is professional sport. If Evans was the premier choice and in form then you would pick him.
On the evidence of the Super 14, Brett looks the most able replacement with the extra ability to cover midfield or be the back-up to his Crusaders teammate Carter. Brett kicks well, is a brilliant runner and improved distributor, with the only concerns being about his defence.
Donald may be more robust but he is also more erratic with his tactical kicking and goalkicking.
Who benefits?
Stephen Brett
Carter's partner and back-up in the red-and-black jersey is the obvious candidate to fill the bench-warming role Evans found himself in for most of his All Black career. He has the skills and has learnt from the best in the business.
Dan Carter
Suddenly there is only one NZRU-contracted first five-eighths with test experience. So much for the policy of depth in every position. Carter's bargaining power with the paymasters in Wellington - already disproportionately strong - went through the roof yesterday when the country's only other proven No 10 took the Harlequin coin.
Stephen Donald
The form of the Chiefs first five-eighths has made a strong case for selection in an early season test squad. He is an allrounder whose cool touches have saved his Super 14 side at crucial times. Unlike some others in the mix, Donald has declared his desire to stay in New Zealand.
Lachie Munro
Evans' departure could open a regular starting spot with the Blues for Munro. With Isa Nacewa gone, Munro gets the No 10 starting spot for Auckland. From there he can stake his claim for the Blues spot - and the possibility that his provincial coach Pat Lam could run the Super 14 side next season can't hurt.
- compiled by Winston Aldworth
