Rugby World Cup: Weepu's All Blacks pass mark

All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu in action against France. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Eden Park was littered with halfbacks. Three regulars started the test, Andy Ellis was in the reserves and Daniel Carter and Conrad Smith filled those duties regularly at school.

While three international halfbacks began the Rugby World Cup duel between France and the All Blacks, Morgan Parra, wore the blue No10 jersey as the sides squared off.

The All Blacks have tinkered with that concept with Piri Weepu although he usually starts with the No9 or 19 on his uniform.

Last night he started in No9 and stayed at halfback until his 54th minute substitution.

This was his 53rd test but only the 19th time he had begun work in the halfback duties since his debut way back in 2004.

It was his chance to say, "stuff this utility tag, I am the best halfback for this side."

He started well, leading the spirited haka.

Weepu was frisky but not in the zone straight away. There were a few twitchy momentsbefore he found his groove.

And probably his second wind. The pace was quick, the breakdowns some distance apart and Weepu needed to be at most.

He was there to deliver when Nonu created the first try for Adam Thomson, and then was the central component in Cory Jane's touchdown.

Most of the time, Weepu is applauded for the speed of his delivery. He is best when he sets for the pass instead of taking a step or three.

But from a lineout, he did just that, indicating he was about to launch a super missile pass into midfield, before he dropped a hand late and popped up a perfect short pass to Jane shooting in from the blindside wing.

This was a training ground manouevre, a blackboard plan which worked superbly.

For the rest of the opening half Weepu worked hard. He was passing, box kicking and covering in defence like his saving midfield tackle on huge No8 Louis Picamoles and Pascal Pape.

There was time for a dive pass or two to add to his repertoire before the interval.

Weepu probably felt a cup of tea and a lie down. He and his mates had worked hard to take the advantage.

They had their hands squeezing the French windpipes, they had to continue the assault. They did and Weepu was the hinging link when Carter sliced through straight after the break to create Israel Dagg's second try.

One test does not guarantee Weepu's claims for the No9 uniform.

But this was the game where the All Black selectors wheeled out their preferred XV, the one likely to return to Eden Park for their quarter-final.

And when the reviews are done Weepu's stint will have him well-placed for a start in the playoffs.