Wynne Gray: Time to put Kahui back on wing

Richard Kahui. Photo / Dean Purcell

In his heyday Colin Meads was 102kg and 1.92m as the premier lock for the All Blacks. He was by common agreement a big man who played with such passion that rivals reckoned he grew a few extra centimetres and hit rucks with at least another 10kg of venom.

Richard Kahui is one of the utility backs included in this year's group to pursue the World Cup and is listed in the programme guides as 101kg and 1.90m. He has size and plenty of horsepower - just the sort needed in the absence of a big wing.

If coach Graham Henry only wants to consider Israel Dagg as a fullback then Isaia Toeava is the biggest bloke on the flanks ahead of Cory Jane and Zac Guildford.

Meanwhile, Kahui is listed as an option in midfield to the established test pairing of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu with Sonny Bill Williams tucked in behind.

A fit Kahui is too good to waste. Of course fitness has been his issue since his debut against England three years ago. Muscle injuries and unco-operative shoulders have restricted his test appearances to 12.

Four of those were as a starting right wing in his debut season against high-quality rivals like the Wallabies and Springboks. Kahui was impressive and looked as though he was a regular in those duties.

It's about time he was given either the No14 or 11 jersey again for the World Cup. He has the pace, nous, positional sense and defensive prowess to make a real go of it. Four round-robin games will have him primed for the playoffs.

Zac Guildford needs some time out after Brisbane although the panel may feel they need to give him another shot straightaway in case he is needed later in the tournament.

Isaia Toeava is a multi-skilled utility and Cory Jane is a fullback whose talents extend to playing on the wing. If they are contenders for the wing, why not Kahui as well? Especially as he has some pedigree in that position.

Whenever he has got on the field, his attacking prowess has been a feature for the Chiefs while his tackling always carries a little extra clout. As the tournament progresses and games get tighter, defence will carry even greater significance and under the high ball or man on man, Kahui is reliable.

When it comes time to strike, Kahui has as much venom as any of the other wings in the squad.

Henry's reluctance to switch Dagg to wing means his choices look similar. There is no one of Joe Rokocoko or Rene Ranger's size, not unless they reverse their decision on Dagg or use Kahui.