Steve Hansen reveals there are plenty of contenders for All Blacks spots
NZ Herald
Steve Hansen has revealed that there could be some new and returning faces in the All Blacks‘ Rugby World Cup squad.
In an interview with Radio Sport’s Jim Kayes, Hansen acknowledged that rising Crusaders star Braydon Ennor has forced his way into the selection mix, in what will be a toughly contested battle for the midfield spots.
Hansen said there were eight midfield back options, including Ennor and Matt Proctor, chasing four positions. He also hinted that outstanding lock Scott Barrett was an option to be used as a blindside flanker.
With Hansen revealing that Damian McKenzie had been in line to cover halfback behind Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara before his untimely injury, he pointed out that Chiefs halfback Brad Weber had forced his way into the selection discussion as the potential third halfback. Weber has been keeping All Black fringe halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi out of the Chiefs starting lineup.
But Hansen also noted that Tahuriorangi had struggled to get a start for the Chiefs last year, when he was promoted by the All Black selectors.
Hansen said Scott Barrett was “a lock who can play six – he did a very good job against South Africa at North Harbour when Liam Squire had to come off.
“He’s playing some wonderful football at the moment. He can play at lock or at six…(but) I’m not coming on the radio today saying we’re picking him at six or lock.”
On whether they take two or three specialist first five-eighths, Hansen said: “You have to ask yourself do we have anyone else in the team who could possibly play against Namibia or Canada, which are lesser games rather than having someone (a third No 10) sitting there taking up a spot.”
This would appear to be a nod towards Jordie Barrett acting as No 10 cover.
Hansen said any rugby follower could name the first 25 players in the World Cup squad. The selectors had not made up their mind on the positional makeup in some areas because there was no need to yet.
“There is no point in committing ourselves to one way or the other at this point,” he said.
He added: “Everyone has got an opinion. We’ve got to make sure we don’t get bombarded by everybody else, do our homework, and make sure we are doing the right thing for the team.”
Hansen also argued that fears about the number of injured All Blacks have been overhyped, saying that all of the World Cup contenders bar McKenzie would be in action before the World Cup squad was named.
“There’s no point panicking, either they are injured or they are not,” said Hansen.
“At the moment there are a number of people who aren’t available to play Super Rugby. But when you look at the list, just about all of those players will be back at some point in the Super competition.
“We are well informed, a lot more so than the public. I’m not nervous, just waiting to see how they come back.
“Most of the guys have played a lot of rugby for the All Blacks – you know they can play to a high standard.
“We just hope they get back in time to get the fitness and possibly show us some form during the latter part of the (Super Rugby) competition.
“I understand the nervousness but the fans are smart enough (to know) most of these guys will be back in time.
“Let’s not dwell on that injuries now. We’ll probably get someone else along the way but that’s the nature of our game.”
On the positive side, Hansen said Waisake Naholo had made a decent return for the Highlanders. Liam Squire and Dane Coles were also on the way back through club rugby.
This article first appeared on nzherald.co.nz and is republished with permission.
Comments on RugbyPass
Sensational tackle. The reds one was late and rightly penalised. The other two were simultaneous with the pass. If nitpicking TMOs can’t find fault there clearly isn’t any.
1 Go to commentsBrumbies fully deserved their win on the back of their physicality and desire to control the ball. Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua and Tyrel Lomax should be the ABs starting front row when we start our test schedule. They have “come of age” and have bested all they have faced as well as been dominant with ball in hand in making the gainline. With De Groot, Tamaiti Williams and Fletcher Newell backed up by Taukei'aho and Cody Taylor there's not an international front row that can trouble us. Can't wait to face the Boks over there, won't be no one point game this time.
5 Go to commentsKinda strange that he wasn’t with a premiership team or a higher level of rugby? Start playing late or something? With that kind of size and athleticism you’d think someone would have picked him up?
2 Go to commentsShows how much attitude matters. Last week the Brumbies got done, this week they dominated the tournament leaders, who were likely thinking they could cruise to victory.
5 Go to commentsA Turtle has more pace and leg drive than Owen Franks, so it’s a good thing he only had to run 90 metres for that try.
2 Go to commentsOh Tamati Tua was in the vastly over-rated Leon MacDonalds Blues system? Well, no wonder he was wasted, much like Emoni Narawa and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens under MacDonald. now look at them. Good thing Tua isn’t eligible, the Aussies latch on to any player who isn’t tied down.
5 Go to commentsMark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
10 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
4 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
5 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
2 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
2 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to comments