All Blacks Play First Pure Playing Axis in Nearly Two Years

(Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

The return of Luke McAlister to the All Blacks starting number 12 position sees a change that will be closely monitored.

As Dan Carter makes his international return against the Wallabies in Sydney, his first match since the All Blacks defeated England at Twickenham last year, we also see a re-unification of Carter and McAlister for the first time since the 2007 World Cup quarter final against France.

But more importantly, it sees only the second time since that date—the first being in Hong Kong against Australia late last year—that the All Blacks have played a traditional “second five eighth” with Ma’a Nonu and his trademark ball carrying abilities more in the mould of what many would term an inside centre.

In Hong Kong, they played a Stephen Donald and Carter combination, that ironically didn’t fire the backline until Nonu came in off the bench.

McAlister’s inclusion is seen more to strengthen the All Blacks kicking arsenal, an area where they were generally outplayed during their two test losing tour of South Africa.

While backs coach Wayne Smith has acknowledged that Nonu has been developing his kicking game, the explosive Hurricanes back has qualities that are still desired by the test set up.

“You don't want (Nonu) going out from one player to another player, and just kicking because the coaches say he should," Smith said.

"He'll come to that part of his game, but we don't want to lose the runner and the passer. He's explosive and he's got a very high skill level, so you want him using that, and threatening defences too.

"He knows that, he's just got to pick the right times to use his kicking game."

While Nonu himself was surely not thrilled over what may be seen as a demotion to the bench, it does add an irrepressible dimension to the All Blacks reserves and impact.  A fired up Nonu, regarded as arguably the best line breaking back in the game, could cause havoc against tiring defences as the game wears on.

He also adds versatility, able to play both positions on the midfield, as well as the wing.

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