All Blacks Play First Pure Playing Axis in Nearly Two Years

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.

But for all of Nonu’s success and new founded maturity to his game, it is not a New Zealand whim to be different by designating the number 12 position formally as second five eighth.  It nominates a team as having two five eighths, two marshalling players that can control and guide play, irrespective of the side of the field.

While it could be regarded as a leap of faith for McAlister to be started, clearly it was not a matter of "if," but "when" for the selectors.  The former Sales Sharks playmaker has struggled so far in 2009, and there is not a more demanding cauldron than Australia in Sydney.

“Yeah, yeah, that is fair comment," Smith acknowledged in regards to McAlister not setting the All Blacks alight so far.

"But he has got class. We know Ma'a Nonu is a class player as well and he has delivered for us consistently. But by his own admission he hasn't been as effective in the last couple of tests matches and Luke has trained really well.”

"He has a kicking game, which will be important, and at some stage he will get back to the level he was."

For the All Blacks, if they can implement greater control and guidance from their two talented five-eighths, they may secure the Bledisloe and keep their Tri Nations defence intact.