Inga Tuigamala: All Black wing picks are clear

Opinion

The Super 14 is getting down to the nitty gritty with a logjam of teams fighting for the semifinal positions, and it's also reaching the point where we can start to contemplate some All Black selections.

Having played on the wing in my career, it is the position I now pay most attention to, and I have to say that I'm still waiting for newcomers to put their hands up.

The former Aucklander David Smith, now with the Hurricanes, is my big hope but at this stage, the tried and tested players are well ahead of the field.

Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rocokoco are unchallenged, to my mind, as the test selections. Sivivatu is always going to be in the hunt and we have seen what he can do this year. Joe is starting to hit his straps as well.

Injuries have hit a couple of contenders, including Hosea Gear and Leila Masaga.

Even still, I don't feel that any of the challengers to Sivivatu and Rocokoco have really put their hands up anyway.

Gear started with a bang but he went missing in the last few games. Rene Ranger has been injured and unable to have a consistent season.

Masaga hasn't really cemented his spot over the past couple of years - he's had a fantastic Super 14 though and with a bit more time and patience he could crack the big time.

But in my opinion, Masaga needs another season in the Super 14 before he is a test prospect.

It's a bit surprising that there are no real challengers emerging because the game is there to be taken for wings who are prepared to go hunting for the work.

Rugby is certainly a lot more flamboyant than the game I used to play, with more turnover ball and free kicks.

Players don't always kick the ball out to stop the clock either, which gives wings the chance to run the ball back.

It depends on the wings themselves, and how much they want to get involved. The game suits wings with high work rates, but those who are lazy and won't leave their zones get isolated.

One outside back who does impress me is the Hurricanes fullback Cory Jane - I love what he brings to the game. Tamati Ellison was also progressing well - he's a player who needs to keep being encouraged to use his strengths.

To my mind, Smith should be the wing to come through. Unfortunately a couple of injuries have hampered his progress but I don't think he has been utilised enough. He has been given few opportunities this year yet he can be quite devastating. We know he is talented but he isn't getting the week in week out chances to perform.

He brings an x-factor to the game - beating a defender just isn't an issue for him. He doesn't have out-and-out gas over long distances, but 20 or 30 yards from the line, he can be exceptional.

Smith reminds me of the English league and union player Jason Robinson. You never know what he is going to do next and he keeps defenders guessing all the time.

You want people like that, players such as Ma'a Nonu, who can turn a game around with one act of brilliance. Those are the things you really like to watch in individuals, and you hope that the pressure brings the best out in them.

As for the Super 14, I am having to eat a few of my words. I doubted the Chiefs, but they are the form team of the moment and entertaining the crowd. I was also a bit despondent about the New Zealand team's chances a few weeks ago, but the Kiwis are up there and all of a sudden there seems to be a spring in their step.

The trip to South Africa is going to be the big test for the Chiefs and a number of other New Zealand and Australian teams, and we always knew that would be the case.

The battle between the Blues and the Highlanders is a key match this week and despite a few close losses early on, the Highlanders have been one of the most consistent teams.

The Blues have found a new confidence and I hope they can keep going. As Jerome Kaino said, Graham Henry told the players they needed to step up and take more responsibility.

The Blues have the advantage of having already been to South Africa. It's going to be a very close call for many teams over the next few weeks.