Wynne Gray: Start Waisake Naholo against Tonga

Waisake Naholo makes a break against Georgia. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Waisake Naholo lasted two minutes longer than his test debut when he reappeared at the World Cup yesterday against Georgia.

A lower leg fracture on debut against Argentina seemed to spell an end to Naholo's tournament dreams until further opinions and a trouble-free recovery delivered his return to combat.

His first touch brought a withering try from halfway when Naholo gassed the first line of defenders and then brushed past the cover. It was a stunning answer to all the queries about his preparation, fitness and ability to make a go of this tournament.

However like most of his teammates, that was a game-high for Naholo who lost the ball in contact and missed some attacking lines in the Cardiff test.

Then he was gone after 53 minutes, substituted by Malakai Fekitoa.

Were our imaginations getting a little too fertile with that decision? Did it seem as though Naholo was limping at several stages or favouring his leg?

When the cameras panned around to the subs bench, Naholo did not appear to have any bandaging or ice-packs on his leg. So let's say his exit was precautionary after such a long time out of the game.

If that is the case then Naholo has to play against Tonga this week to get more kilometres in the legs the All Black selectors have invested such confidence.

We have become used to him playing on the right flank although he does roam around the field and perhaps, could play on the other wing.

He might have to because Nehe Milner-Skudder looked nifty enough in his two starts and Julian Savea, while not yet as sharp as we remember, hit back on the scoresheet with three tries against Georgia and could get a spell.

There is another issue.

The coaches want to get more kilometres into Naholo's limbs, otherwise if they start him and his fitness is uncertain, they will need an outside back to cover that concern. That exam might become a full game against Tonga this week.