Amongst the waves of team indiscipline, Chiefs halfback Brad Weber showed why he should be fanning the All Black selectors' interest.
Their vision for an explosive mobile game from their group demands a halfback with many qualities built on speed and precision. Aaron Smith fits that template and is wellahead of any New Zealand rivals.
His whippet pass, pace and endurance to reach most of the breakdowns mixed in with the other necessary ingredients like defensive awareness, a strong kicking game and sniping runs have added a glossy layer to the All Black patterns.
Weber is bringing similar signs as his surge through the ranks continues.
He's less than 80kg yet he shows how technique and courage deliver defensive harmony and allow him to stand up to the physical confrontations at the top level. He has remarkable speed and agility which bring a zip to the middle of the Chiefs game.
He was always at the core of the action in Durban today in a match which was fractious from the start as referee Angus Gardner sent three players off in the first half.
Weber's pass is very impressive. He appears to be equally strong off the ground to either flank and also uses a dive pass when he has to clear some pileups.
The All Blacks have used TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Augustine Pulu as backups to Smith and they are all halfbacks with power but whose skill range and decisions can fluctuate. It's the same with Jimmy Cowan.
Andy Ellis brings a calm authority and savvy game sense without the snap in his delivery yet looms as a strong safety valve choice for the All Blacks.
Weber offers that point of difference with his accurate package of all-round zip which suggests he could be the bridge in styles the All Black panel have been looking for.
