Midfield Battle Could Decide Tri Nations

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.

Against what is the most attacking centre pairing in world rugby, a landmark pair that is the Springboks most decorated midfield partnership.

Jean De Villiers (103kg, 1.90m) and Jaque Fourie (105kg, 1.90m) are the most capped centre combination in South Africa rugby history, having played together for 20 tests.

De Villiers, South Africa’s current player of the year holds the Springbok record for most tests as a centre (42), and combines with Fourie, who holds the record for most tries by a South African midfielder (23), for what is an amalgamation representing 103 test matches.

While some believe the Springboks, under some pressure to arrive in Hamilton with a win at any cost or style approach, will revert back to a kicking game. They will look to attack what is an All Black midfield that has never played together.

However, this isn’t bothering Donald, who is excited about the opportunity. Ironically, the All Blacks early season first choice first five eighth could secure a permanent starting role with a strong performance.

"I don't think in my wildest dreams I would ever thought I would be partnering Ma'a Nonu in the midfield for the All Blacks. But I am and I'm rapt about it," said Donald.

"We've played a lot with me at 10 and him at 12 so I know his voice and I know what he wants to do and what he needs from me inside him.  As far as that goes I think we've got a bit of a head start in regard to us going into a midfield combination."

Donald has little recent exposure at 12, but has flirted with the position on rare occasions with the Chiefs, and some years ago when he donned Counties colours. He agrees with the summation that he will be besieged.

"I think most games they go into they send the big boys hurtling down the inside channel so there will be no difference there," he said.

"The fact I'm a bit green at 12, they'll probably have a look there early."

But while defensively his effectiveness may be under scrutiny, he is comfortable with the basic patterns of his role.

"The way rugby is and they way we try and play, if you're a 10 or 12 it can sometimes be quite a similar role, especially once you're in to the phase play. It's pretty similar stuff," he said.

"It's a job I'm looking forward to and I hope I do a good one."

His coaches, both Henry and his back’s mentor Wayne Smith, believe that communication is the key and Donald agrees.

"I don't think I would have lasted as long as I have as a 10 if I wasn't a good communicator," the Chiefs' No. 10 said.

"I think it's one of my strengths to be honest. It's certainly something that every team requires of their playmakers and decision makers these days."

Henry stressed this was paramount for the success of the partnership.

"They both need to talk a lot. Whoever plays at 10 is inclined to dominate proceedings but both are very good navigators of the team and both have got a lot to offer,” the All Blacks coach—who will be looking for his 60th test win in his 71st match—said.

"So we've got to encourage them both to talk, rather than one guy saying 'I've got to shut up because I'm not playing 10'."

All Black Midfield Partnerships in 2009

V France, first test: Nonu, Toeava

V France, second test: Nonu, Smith

V Italy: Nonu, Toeava

V Australia: Nonu, Smith

V South Africa: Nonu, Smith

V South Africa: Nonu, Smith

V Australia: McAlister, Smith