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Opinionated Rugby Commentary - by Fans for Fans
Spill what you really think about events in the rugby world.
Who Will Be In The All Blacks Midfield? 2 views
26 July 2012 by The Swede Eaters
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With injuries to Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui and the departure of Sonny Bill Williams to rugby league, who will be in the All Blacks midfield for the Rugby Championship?
Sonny Bill Williams is leaving New Zealand rugby, while Conrad Smith has an eye injury leaving the All Blacks midfield thin on the ground. Who do you think will be in the All Blacks midfield for the Rugby Championship? Richard Kahui is still injured also. This leaves Ma'a Nonu who was on the outer earlier this season as the main option in the midfield, while Tamati Ellison, Robbie Fruean, Ben Smith and Ryan Crotty are probably the next best options. Who are you picking? I think a midfield of Nonu and Ellison will be the best bet, as I don't think you want two blockbusting centres (Nonu and Fruean) playing together.
Ma'a Nonu
The All Blacks selectors must have rested Ma'a Nonu on purpose during the June International test matches so that he would be peaking in time for the Rugby Championship. Nonu has been a mixed bag for the underperforming Blues, but he looks to be hitting some form at the business end of the season. Nonu must be the favourite to start in the Number 12 All Blacks jersey now that the other experienced players Smith, SBW and Kahui are all unavailable.
Tamati Ellison
The versatile Tamati Ellison made the All Blacks squad for the final match against Ireland. He was great for the Highlanders in the Super Rugby competition where he started most matches at centre. Ellison should be versatile enough to play at inside centre too as he has played in most positions in the backline in his time with the Hurricanes, Highlanders and playing briefly for the All Blacks. He has also previously played plenty with other backs at the Hurricanes who are likely to be involved including Cory Jane, Piri Weepu and Hosea Gear. While Ellison's versatility makes him ideal for the bench, but his reliability makes him an ideal foil for Nonu in the Number 13 jersey.
Shaun Treeby
Shaun Treeby played second five eighth for the Highlanders this year, although his season was ruined by injury. Once he gets over his injury, the powerful second five eighth must be in line for higher honours. Like Hosea Gear and Tamati Ellison, Treeby has played for the Hurricanes, but has found form for the Highlanders once he was given a chance.
Ryan Crotty
Crotty is another one of these stocky second five eighths and he had to be included in the Crusaders backline once Carter was moved to first five eighth. Crotty is a reliable performer and has formed a useful combination with the powerful Robbie Fruean at the Crusaders. He does seem to be improving.
Robbie Fruean
Fruean usually plays centre, but he often goes missing in action and I wonder if the selectors will want two big blockbusting midfield backs if you assume Nonu will start at Number 12? Fruean is a big centre but has been criticised for not feeding his outside backs and missing the odd tackle. He can be a devastating runner, but is his passing game and defence up to it?
Dan Carter
DC could look to move into the midfield in an attempt to lengthen his career. His dodgy groin wouldn't be required to do as much kicking from inside centre, and this would allow the All Blacks to play with both Aaron Cruden and Dan Carter on the field at once and maybe move Nonu to centre.
Ben Smith - the versatile and reliable Highlanders player must now be in contention for the All Blacks midfield. He has excelled this season at fullback, but he can play either in the midfield or on the wing. I think he is probably more used to playing at fullback, but he plays a smart game like Conrad Smith and has some silky touches, is reliable on defence and can pass well. I think Ellison should start and Smith could come off the bench.
Other options - some other options include Tim Bateman, Kenny Lynn, Phil Burleigh.
The main thing to consider is combinations. That is where Nonu and Fruean wouldn't work, but having either Ben Smith or Ellison outside Nonu should still work, although obviously will take some time to get used to each other. Some of these other options play better with a big guy outside them.
Who would you like to see in the All Blacks midfield for the Rugby Championship and in the future? I am going Nonu and Ellison with Ben Smith on the bench.
http://www.superrugbytips.com/2012/07/smith-kahui-injured-and-sbw-leaving-who.html
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Tags:
All Blacks , Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, SBW, Tamati Ellison, Ben Smith
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