David Havili's form in the Crusaders midfield has made him impossible for Ian Foster to ignore
David Havili has been banging on the All Blacks door for a few years now. Ironically, it could be that his move away from his favoured position of fullback that finally elevates him back into the national squad for the first time since 2017.
Thanks to the exceptional depth in the outside backs and the relative lack of experienced options in the midfield, Havili has been a regular starter in the No 12 jersey for the Crusaders this year.
Havili’s Tasman teammates, Sevu Reece, Leicester Fainga’anuku and Will Jordan, have been the champion side’s regular starters on the wing and at fullback while Havili has formed a solid combination with All Black Jack Goodhue.
Goodhue, however, is now likely to spend some time on the sideline thanks to an injury suffered in the Crusaders’ win over the Hurricanes on Sunday, which could see Havili partner with Fainga’anuku in the midfield.
While this year isn’t the first time that Havili has played in the centres, his excellent performances could be enough to finally convince All Blacks coach Ian Foster that he’s impossible to leave out of the national squad.
That’s certainly how Bryn Hall sees it – a long-time teammate of Havili’s at the Crusaders.
Speaking on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, Hall raved about the poise and confidence that Havili brings to the Crusaders midfield, perfectly exemplified by his coolly slotted drop goal in Sunday’s victory.
“It’s good because Davey has that kind of personality where he enjoys those big moments,” Hall said. “Richie [Mo’unga] talks about it a lot, he loves thriving in big games like that and I think Davey’s exactly the same. He loves being the person that, in that moment, steps up for the team.
“He’s playing out of position as well, he hasn’t played at 12 and being able to make that decision [to shift away from fullback] selflessly, for the team … He’s put himself in a really good position, I think, to be in the conversation for the [All Blacks] midfielders with his performance not only on the weekend but throughout the duration of the competition.”
“He’s got great distribution skills, a great kicking game, subtle touches and he’s brought really great decision making under pressure and you’re looking at attributes for a 12, those are the kind of attributes that you need.”
Bryn Hall has revealed all from the Crusaders' golden-point triumph over the Hurricanes – including the key tactics he believes will help teams score victories in #SuperRugbyAotearoa's extra-time periods. #HURvCRUhttps://t.co/nSuV48Q2nb
— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) April 13, 2021
The All Blacks used six different centre options throughout last year’s compressed test season: Jack Goodhue, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape and Peter Umaga-Jensen.
While all have stood out at times this season, it would be hard to argue that any of the six have put out consistent performance after consistent performance.
Hall said Havili could easily slot in at No 12 while Super Rugby centurion James Parsons suggested a spot on the bench would also be well served by the 26-year-old, given his versatility.
“I just think he has the ability to play across that backline,” Parsons said.
“Having the ability to cover that many positions, he has to be a squad member for sure. And the ability he’s shown for so long to play at a high standard, it’s not just this year. He’s done it for a long time. The only thing that’s slowed him down is injuries … You’d have to think he’s right in contention to be in that All Blacks mix.”
“I think versatility’s a massive part of that,” agreed Hall. “Especially No 23, you need to have the ability to play multiple positions. Traditionally you’ve got a guy that can play centre or winger but the biggest thing that Dave has is he can play across all positions.”
Havili debuted for the All Blacks off the bench against Argentina in 2017. He played four further matches that year, earning starts at fullback in New Zealand’s victories over the Barbarians and a French XV.
He was arguably the form player in New Zealand during the early stages of last year but concussion, bowel surgery and a fractured thumb ultimately laid waste to his chance’s of selection in the All Blacks.
The 26-year-old could be one of half a dozen or so players that could get called up to the national squad this year, with the likes of Richie Mo’unga, Jack Goodhue, Braydon Ennor, George Bridge, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan all capped in the past, and Leicester Fainga’anuku making waves on the wing and in the midfield.
There’d be none more deserving than Havili, however – who’s been one of the most consistent performers in New Zealand for some seasons now.
Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:
Comments on RugbyPass
Hats off to Fabian for a very impressive journey to date. Is it as ‘uniquely unlikely’ as Rugby Pass suggests, given Anton Segner’s journey at the Blues?
1 Go to commentsSad that this was not confirmed. When administrators talk about expanding the game they evidently don’t include pathways to the top tier of rugby for teams outside of the old boys club. Rugby deserves better, and certainly Georgia does.
1 Go to commentsLions might take him on if they move on Van Rooyen but I doubt he will want to go back, might consider it a step backwards for himself. Sharks would take him on but if Plumtree goes on to win the challenge cup they will keep him on. Also sharks showing some promising signs recently. Stormers and Bulls are stable and Springboks are already filled up. Quality coach though, interesting to see where he ends up
1 Go to commentsAnd the person responsible for creating a culture of accountability is?
2 Go to commentsMore useless words from Ben Smith -Please get another team to write about. SA really dont need your input, it suck anyway.
264 Go to commentsThis disgraceful episode must result in management and coach team sackings. A new manager with worse results than previous and the coaching staff need to coached. Awful massacre led by donkeys.
1 Go to commentsInteresting article with one glaring mistake. This sentence: “And between the top four nations right now, Ireland, France, South Africa, and New Zealand…” should read: And between the top four nations right now, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and France…”. Get it right wistful thinkers, its not that hard.
23 Go to commentsHow did Penny get the gig anyway?
2 Go to commentsNice write up Nick and I would have agreed a week ago. However as you would know Cale & co got absolutely monstered by the Blues back row of Sotutu, Ioane and Papaliti and not all of these 3 are guaranteed a start in the Black jumper. He may need to put some kgs before stepping up, Spring tour? After the week end Joe will be a bit more restless. Will need to pick a mobile tough pack for Wales and hope England does the right thing and bashes the ABs. I like your last paragraph but I would bring Swinton, Hannigan into the 6 role and Bobby V to 8
21 Go to commentsThe Crusaders can still get in to the Play Off’s. The imminent return of outstanding captain Scott Barrett and his All Black team mate Codie Taylor will be a big boost.There are others like Tamaiti Williams too. Two home games coming up. Fellow Crusader fans get there and support these guys. I will be.
1 Go to commentsCant get more Wellington than Proctor.
2 Go to commentsWhy not let the media decide. Like how they choose the head coach. Like most of us we entrust the rugby system to choose. A rugby team includes the coaches. It's collective.
13 Go to commentsHi NIck, I have been very impressed with him and he seems a smart player who can see opportunities which Bobby V _(who must be an international 6_) doesn’t see or have the speed to take advantage of. If he continues to improve and puts on 5kgs then he could be a great 8. He is a bit taller than Keiran Reid at 1.93m and 111 kgs, so his skill set fits his body size and who knows where it will lead. I hope the spate of Achilles tendon issues have been dealt with by the S&C people. It’s been a very long time since Mark Loane and Kefu stood out at 8. The question is will we be able to hold onto him, if he does make it he will be pretty hot property. I disagree with the idea of letting them go to the Northern Hemisphere and then bring them back.
21 Go to commentsBilly Fulton 🤣🤣🤣🤣 garrrmon not even close
13 Go to commentsDoes the AI take into account refs? hahaha Seriously why not have two on field refs to avoid bias?
23 Go to commentsVern challenging this Blues side might be the edge they need to fulfill their potential. Convincing results from strong D and strong carries are hard to argue against.
1 Go to commentsLove seems to add a strong back field defense with speed to close the gap and tackle to his ability to attack, kick and pass (an accurate long pass). This sets him an edge over some of the other names - JRK in particular. Has to be said that Jordan and Stevenson have also been exposed defensively while Love has yet to face test match intensity. Spoilt for choice.
1 Go to commentsHe’s strung together a few strong seasons, I’d like to see him in the ABs and build some depth along with Reiko and ALB. Levi Aumua hasn’t taken the step we hoped to see but time yet.
2 Go to commentsWhere has our good friend Pecos gone!? Similar place to the Crusaders D, the abyss.
4 Go to commentsNice piece Nick. I haven’t seen much of the brumbies this year so will keep my powder dry on charlie, but clearly has the speed and footwork to be damaging in space. Similar to Samu, I’d worry about the size of our pack if the likes of Mcreight and Cale were in the b/row together. Maybe Cale could play a similar finisher role like Samu did for Rennie’s wallabies. Has Cale leapfrogged wilson in your eyes? He obviously has the lineout, but harry probably better (although not great) in the physical stuff and also has great hands in the loose. You’d have to say mcreight and valetini are shoe-ins at 7/8, so the question becomes who matches best with them at 6 and on the bench. I don’t know if he has a high enough ceiling, but id love to see wright given a shot based on how much bad luck he has had with injuries. He may also fit that no-nonsense graft/work rate irish approach…? If schmidt wants size and a 4/6 tweener then I’d probably pick Uru. On the bench I’d have no idea, Wilson if you want to give valetini a rest, and maybe hanigan/wright/uru as 6 replacements.
21 Go to comments