We know the All Blacks are one of the most analysed teams in world rugby and that they have to keep evolving their game to stay ahead of the pack, and for me their use of their wings at this World Cup is a very interesting development.
So far JulianSavea and Nehe Milner-Skudder have been used close to the ruck - not as first receivers but to pick and go, using their pace and power to get in behind the opposition.
It was evident during their matches against Argentina and Namibia that it's something they are working hard at. Rather than a forward or a halfback, you have the pace and power of a wing around the breakdown who can catch defenders by surprise or at the very least commands attention. Defenders don't normally see that picture - a halfback and a wing hovering - and they're not sure who is going to get the ball.
It changes the defensive mindset, and after their pick and go they're not racing back to the wing, they are staying in that area to further make things difficult for defenders. We have seen that with Savea that he stays in-field and by doing so scored two tries against Namibia. Milner-Skudder has too.
I like the tactic for the above reasons and the fact that they are further changing the picture by having a hooker or loose forward holding their width to compensate for their wings being elsewhere. Having a Dane Coles or a Jerome Kaino or Kieran Read there is another challenge for a wing on defence.
What for me is of particular interest for Saturday's match against Georgia is how they will use Waisake Naholo, who has replaced Milner-Skudder.
Naholo is slightly different in that he has lightning speed and I was reassured to hear Steve Hansen this week saying the Fijian flyer was leaving his teammates floundering in training.
Do they want him to hold his width to find space and one or ones or overlaps, or will they try to get him close and use him in the same role as Savea and Milner-Skudder?
Naholo's introduction is a great opportunity for the All Blacks because if he plays well it allows them to again change the picture because teams won't know much about him.
He has played only one test and is an unknown, and the special pace that he has could be a very good weapon at this World Cup.
