Managing the All Blacks' Embarrassment of Riches

As the countdown begins to 2011, how will Graham Henry manage the startling return to form from key players, the performance of the new blood, the declining status of veterans and stalwarts, and the possible return of some big names?

In the early period of his reign, Henry developed unparalleled player depth within the All Black framework, working to develop “two world class players for every position.”

This was essentially achieved, but at the 2007 World Cup, this depth led to what appeared to be uncertainty with what was the All Blacks’ best team.  In the five matches played at that year’s World Cup, every position except two featured at least three different players.

This paid homage to the cliché that you only need 15 (or 22) world class players to win a championship—not 30 or 40!

At the end of 2007, New Zealand rugby suffered what we could call “the great exodus.”  No less than eight front-line All Blacks would leave local shores immediately after the World Cup, and this would be followed by a host of test players, fringe players and other long serving domestic talent in the following months.

2008 was a surprising landmark year of success for the All Blacks, winning the Bledisloe, Tri Nations, a Grand Slam and finishing with a 13-2 win loss record.

This was achieved with Graham Henry all but forced to wield out a consistent test XV, relying on essentially a cocooned squad of 20 men.  There would be less than half of the changes seen to a starting side—match to match—in this year than seen in each of the four years previous.

It showed a stark pattern from leading global test teams.

This year, South Africa has ruled, and has done so with a largely unchanged side.

Quality replacements and depth help, but nothing can quite equal having a team build consistent combinations and build experience as a winning unit.

Therein lies what could again be a problem for All Black rugby in the coming years.

Many of New Zealand’s key players have been affected by injury this year.  The two dynamos of the All Black operation, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter, have both come back from injury this season.  

It appears that their form is reaching peak levels again, with both players putting in respective master classes against the Wallabies in Wellington. 

Their individual management is crucial to the New Zealand game.  With them on the field the All Blacks chances of winning are greatly amplified, but their replacements need to be groomed.

Here lies the greatest quandary for Henry.

He knows he needs to tinker and develop his squad for what will be quite possibly the most important year in All Black history, preparing to win a World Cup on home soil.  But he knows that the heavy burden of success, the expectation of a win, all but demands that he field his strongest side at all times.

While one, especially within All Black circles, may term the 2009 test year a failure so far—based on their 0-3 ledger to South Africa and loss of the Tri Nations title—the emergence of new talent gives the year a strong pass mark when it comes to player development.

Tanerau Latimer, George Whitelock, Owen Franks, Isaac Ross, Tom Donnelly have all received their first test caps this year.  Furthermore, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson and Cory Jane have all continued to make progress from their international debuts in 2008.

Decisions need to be made as to the level of their roles in the coming years.

By the same token, some incumbent’s futures will need to be decided.  Rodney So’oialo is foremost among them, a loyal servant of New Zealand rugby.  While it appears it days as a test starter may be numbered, surely the experience of such a man will be invaluable on the bench.

There is also the lightly used recent All Blacks, such as Anthony Tuitavake, Rudi Wulf, Hika Elliot and Ben Franks.  Do these players, viable talents, have roles to play?

Furthermore, there are the dark horses, such as Liam Messam, Sione Lauaki, Leila Masaga, and Jamie Mackintosh.  These former All Blacks are potentially world class on their day, but have had flaws pointed out by the coaching ranks.

Let us also not forget the All Blacks still sidelined or returning from injury.

The list is impressive, with Ali Williams, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Piri Weepu, Anthony Boric, Andy Ellis, Corey Flynn, Luke McAlister, Keven Mealamu and Sitiveni Sivivatu. 

And, of course, the proverbial spanners in the works, with Chris Jack back in New Zealand rugby next year, and rumours from Newcastle that Carl Hayman may be seeking a return to the framework in the next 12-18 months.

While it thinned after 2007, it appears the All Blacks are on the cusp of having a titanic selection pool once again.  The management of this glutton of playing resources could be the difference to whether or not the All Blacks break their World Cup drought.

All Blacks playing pool

(Represented their country in last two years and/or may be in 2011 frame)

Prop: Tony Woodcock, Carl Haymen, Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Neemia Tialata, John Afoa

Hooker: Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliot

Lock: Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Bryn Evans, Jason Eaton, Tom Donnelly

Flanker: Richie McCaw, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Scott Waldrom, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam, George Whitelock

Number eight: Kieran Read, Rodney So’oialo, Sione Lauaki

Scrum half: Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Brendan Leonard, Andy Ellis, Alby Mathewson

First Five: Dan Carter, Stephen Donald, Nick Evans, Colin Slade, Stephen Brett

Second Five: Ma’a Nonu, Luke McAlister

Centre: Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui, Isaia Toeava

Wing: Joe Rokocoko, Cory Jane, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Anthony Tuitavake, Rudi Wulf, Leila Masaga

Fullback: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Colin Slade