The core requirements of being quick around the field, aerobically charged and having an accurate pass remain the highest priorities, but added to that portfolio now is quality kicking.
Cortez Ratima will make his return from injury for the All Blacks against Australia this weekend. Photo / Photosport
As the All Blacks have come to accept after their 3-1 series defeat to the Springboks, the box kick is a necessary evil in the modern game.
Statistically, the numbers are weighted fractionally in favour of box kicking as a way to create momentum and advance up the field, as opposed to it being a low-percentage, lottery-like hit-and-hope strategy.
Kick well and chase well, and the tactic can be an integral part of an overall dynamic plan. And it’s here that there are doubts about Ratima.
His work to date has not included a high-quality kicking game. He lacks length when he is given responsibility for getting the All Blacks out of their 22, and he’s not been able to smack up high, hanging box kicks that enable his team to run forward into a contestable challenge.
So maybe he’s been picked on the bench this week simply because he’s finally recovered and is being given the opportunity he was denied because of injury, or maybe Ratima is now on a watch list of sorts where his performance will be deeply scrutinised to see if he remains in the mix for the UK.
It’s probably the former, but the selectors’ minds will likely be open to the idea that a different third halfback could yet make next year’s World Cup.
Timoci Tavatavanawai is more obviously playing to win a spot on the plane. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has been open that Tavatavanawai was taken to South Africa essentially to get him fit enough to be the sort of contributor the All Blacks need him to be.
Timoci Tavatavanawai has been named on the bench for the All Blacks’ test against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday. Photo / Photosport
The Highlanders utility back has an incredible highlights reel – punchy runs and crazy turnovers – but his workrate was low and general conditioning poor during Super Rugby.
Rennie wants him to understand firstly how much work an All Blacks midfielder needs to commit to – support lines, chasing kicks, tracking back, committing to multiple rucks – and then have the aerobic capacity to deliver.
If they can get his workrate to match his outrageous skillset, they will have a player who can make a difference at the World Cup, and Tavatavanawai’s selection in Sydney is effectively about seeing how much he has absorbed in the past two months and how much effort he has put in at training.
Josh Moorby, restored to the left wing, isn’t likely to be playing for a seat on the plane to the UK, but there remains a profound sense that the All Blacks are lacking something in their back three mix.
Caleb Clarke, given his size, speed and power, gives them a genuine weapon on the left wing when he’s fit, but with the greatest respect to Moorby, Leroy Carter and Fehi Fineanganofo, none of them feels like they would leave opposition teams fearful.
Josh Moorby will start on the left wing this weekend. Photo / Photosport
The door remains very much open to aspiring wings, and the likes of Caleb Tangitau, Chay Fihaki, Emoni Narawa and Kyren Taumoefolau would all be well-advised to play the house down in Super Rugby next year.
The pressure is certainly on the incumbent wings to justify their selections, and Moorby has an opportunity to strengthen his case while both Carter and Fineanganofo are injured.
Moorby has great timing, he’s calm and he uses the ball well, but he has some work to do on his defence, and while he’s played Super Rugby games at fullback, he hasn’t yet demonstrated an aptitude for taking the high ball in the test arena.
If he’s going to survive the inevitable selection squeeze when the All Blacks have to cut their squad to 33 for the World Cup and likely have room for only five outside backs, he’s got to give a top-notch aerial performance in Sydney.
Gregor Paul is one of New Zealand’s most respected rugby writers and columnists. He has won multiple awards for journalism and written several books about sport.
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