Rugby: Versatile Piri could be game's best first five

Piri Weepu was dominant in the Hurricanes' win over the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images

It's starting to look like Piri Weepu might in fact be a better first five than he is halfback.

The 25-year-old gave his most commanding performance in the No 10 shirt on Friday night at AMI Stadium and on current form would have to be considered the most likely back-up All Black option to Stephen Donald.

He might even be more than that, he could actually be the best first five in the country at present.

His ability to stay calm and assess his options was impressive against the Crusaders, particularly as he was having to operate in the face of an exceptionally quick rush defence.

His goal-kicking, too, was first class and that low centre of gravity of his was put to good use in the way he kept his feet and bounced off defenders to avoid being isolated.

Weepu's performance certainly put into context just how far young Colin Slade has to advance.

The 20-year-old has been a tidy package since his arrival on the scene in last year's provincial championship, but he struggled with the increased intensity against the Hurricanes.

It's one thing to look the goods playing for Canterbury against Hawke's Bay, it's another thing altogether to stand out and take control against the Hurricanes in Super 14.

He's a prospect is Slade, but right now he's not in Weepu's class and nor is Stephen Brett nor the Daniels, Bowden and Kirkpatrick.

Weepu's increasing command of the position will make for some interesting selection challenges both for the Hurricanes and All Blacks. Finally, after two weeks of being held prisoner by their inhibition, the Hurricanes found their rhythm in Christchurch.

They played with width, they were penetrative and creative and it's clear that they perform best with Alby Mathewson at halfback and Weepu at first five. That's the pairing that will win them games.

The only problem with that is that the All Blacks still see Weepu more as a halfback. As Graham Henry said of Weepu during the week: "He's an outstanding halfback and it would be disappointing if he loses the feel for that position and the skills required and we talked about that yesterday.

"He needs time at nine and he's obviously going to get time at 10 too. By being able to play both positions that's a positive for the All Blacks and for the Hurricanes."

The problem is more Weepu's than it is the All Blacks'. His efficiency in both positions makes him an ideal candidate to sit on the bench for the national side and be used as circumstances dictate.

By having him there, the All Blacks can vary the make-up of the rest of their bench as Weepu can cover the specialist halfback berth and first five. That opens the possibility of using five forwards on the bench.

The Crusaders are facing a different selection dilemma at first five. While Slade has done little wrong in the first three weeks, there was an obvious spark to Brett's running at fullback. That spark might be better utilised closer to the action as there is something missing in the Crusaders' backline at the moment.

They were certainly more positive and cohesive when Ryan Crotty came off the bench but they were by no means the force they were of old. They played too much football in the wrong area of the field and there is a need for them to work more basic ploys into their game-plan.

That's where they are missing Dan Carter. The world's best first five knows when to run, when to pass and when to bang the ball long.

The mix just wasn't there for the Crusaders on Friday and they have to find it in the next two weeks when they play the Highlanders and Force ahead of a tough three-week run that will see them take on the Waratahs (in Sydney), the Stormers and Bulls.