Midfield Battle Could Decide Tri Nations

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

The All Blacks will field their fourth midfield combination of the year against the Springboks in Hamilton this weekend, and will be tested by one of the best centre pairings in the game.

The dreadnought coupling of Jean De Villiers and Jaque Fourie was arguably the principal factor in the South Africans strong win against the Wallabies in Perth, and even in a losing effort in Brisbane; the pair was a constant menace even against an excellent Australian defensive line.

For All Blacks coach Graham Henry, his 10, 12 and 13 playing axis was always going to be a difficult decision, considering the list of injuries to his test midfielders.

Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui, the first choice centres in New Zealand rugby, have both been sidelined with long term injuries. Luke McAlister, whose re-entry into the All Black team was essentially fast tracked due to early season absences, is also unavailable for selection.

It was widely assumed that Daniel Carter would slot into second five eighth, but in hindsight it was unlikely that Henry was going to shift one of the All Blacks greatest jewels, and arguably the world’s most influential playmaker, out of position.

While it is still too early to assume that the All Blacks will consider it a long term option, the initiative of playing Ma’a Nonu at second receiver may be coming to an end. Initial indications are that with McAlister back within the New Zealand framework, and Stephen Donald’s rising powers—especially it seems, when playing with Carter—that New Zealand’s premier rugby side may look to revert back to a traditional twin playmaking bloc.

Henry though has a reputation for changing his selections on the opposition’s merit.

It must be noted that Nonu has played at 12 for six of the seven All Black tests this year.

The Hurricanes back, regarded by many as the most penetrative line breaker in the game, shifts to centre, a position he frequented earlier in his test career playing outside Tana Umaga for both his province and country.

But it will be the combination of both Nonu and Donald that will have piqued the Springboks interest, with the channel being the most key defensive area in set piece play.

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