Bigger is better for All Blacks as Williams readies for return

Analysis: Test rugby is being increasingly ruled by giants which makes Tamaiti Williams’ comeback all the more welcome, writes Patrick McKendry.

Scott Robertson’s argument before the All Blacks’ first Test against France last month that size is now mandatory for Test rugby – and proven by the performances of converted flanker Tupou Vaa’i – was further strengthened by the Wallabies over the past two weekends.

Vaa’i, who stands 1.98m (6 foot 6 inches) tall and weighs about 118kg, excelled in the first two Tests against France in the relatively unfamiliar No.6 jersey after being moved from lock. He brought bulk, height and physicality to an All Blacks’ pack before missing the final Test due to concussion.

Vaa’i’s influence went far further than contributing to an extremely tall All Blacks’ lineout – a credit to his adaptability and the work he put in before the series.

Similarly, giant lock Will Skelton proved his worth for the Wallabies over the final two Tests against the British and Irish Lions. In many ways he was responsible for Australia’s rejuvenation during a series which suggested that the game across the Tasman is very much on the up.

The 140kg, 2.03m (6ft 8in) tall Skelton plays in France and was not available for the first Test in Brisbane – a relatively comfortable 27-19 win for the tourists – due to a calf injury.

Skelton transformed the Wallabies when starting the second Test in Melbourne. He brought not only a physical edge but also an intimidatory one during his 45 minutes on the field as the Wallabies lost a controversial Test

29-26.

Big Will Skelton, second from right, makes his presence felt for the Wallabies in Melbourne. (Source: Photosport)

It was a mere appetiser for last night’s performance from Skelton and the Wallabies, who, fuelled by the disappointment of a week earlier at the MCG, brought a hard edge the Lions simply couldn’t match in the home side’s deserved 22-12 victory.

Retiring halfback Nic White and try-scorers Dylan Pietsch, Ryan Lonergan and Tate McDermott deserve credit but it was Skelton’s high-impact 80-minute performance and no-nonsense attitude which got them across the line.

There is no doubt the 45-minute lightning delay at Homebush helped Skelton’s big body go the distance but in a game of the highest intensity in appalling weather conditions, the 33-year-old was both an irresistible force and an immoveable object. Fellow lock Nick Frost was also excellent.

Which brings us back to the All Blacks and one Tamaiti Williams that Robertson will take great delight in naming in his Rugby Championship squad tomorrow.

Williams, all 144kg and 1.98m (6ft 5in) of him, was missing from the French series due to a knee problem exacerbated during the Crusaders’ grand final victory over the Chiefs in June.

The 24-year-old could be touch and go for the All Blacks’ first Test against Argentina in Cordoba a week on Sunday but having such an influential scrummager, who can play either side of the scrum, back in the mix will be a huge boost for Robertson and the team.

Tyrel Lomax’s hand injury means the tighthead prop will be unlikely to travel to Argentina – the All Blacks also play in Buenos Aires on August 24 – so Williams’ return alongside Ethan de Groot, Fletcher Newell, Ollie Norris and Pasilio Tosi will be welcome.

Tupou Vaa’i on his way to scoring a try against France in Wellington last month. (Source: Photosport)

Blues prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who had neck surgery in April and also missed the French series, may also come back into the mix.

Australia’s recent rival under Kiwi coach Joe Schmidt sounded a warning ahead of an intriguing Rugby Championship and the Pumas will also be a formidable foe at home.

Argentina, possessing a pack hardened by the rigours of Northern Hemisphere rugby, shocked the British and Irish Lions with a 28-24 victory in Dublin before the Lions travelled Downunder and they squared a two-Test home series against (a weakened) France last year.

The All Blacks play the Wallabies at Eden Park on September 27 and in Perth on October 4.

The challenge faced by Robertson’s men during the South Africa’s two-Test tour of New Zealand (Eden Park on September 6 and Wellington a week later), speaks for itself.

After the disappointment of the recent news about halfbacks Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham, the All Blacks will need to many things to go right to see off the world champions and their “Bomb Squad”, and having their biggest men fit and in form will be just one of them.

The All Blacks’ 36-player Rugby Championship squad will be announced in Wellington tomorrow at midday.