Major adjustments are not a familiar theme with the All Blacks but that’s exactly what the backline confronts in Argentina this week.
Under Steve Hansen, a consistent selection policy has prevailed. Players must earn their respective chances, or wait for injury to open the door.
This week Aaron Cruden’s ill-advised bender and a lack of depth at second five-eighth will force two serious changes to the inside backs.
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Assistant coach Ian Foster made it clear yesterday that Malakai Fekitoa has a long way to go before he is a polished test-quality second-five.
That’s not to say the rookie midfielder won’t nail his role against the Pumas in La Plata on Sunday. He has all the attributes to do just that. Foster’s message intended to temper expectations about his challenging shift from centre to cover Ma’a Nonu’s absence.
He stressed Fekitoa will not have Nonu’s poise. There are, after all, 90 tests between the pair. That sort of experience can’t be replaced.
While Beauden Barrett was given the seal of approval to step up, Foster also pointed out the Hurricanes pivot must make some tweaks from his usual impact role in this side.
Barrett has started three of his 23 tests but only one at first-five. In an otherwise sound display, nerves may have been a factor as he missed four of five kicks against the Pumas in Napier. He will be keen to make amends this weekend.
“He would have learnt some things about Napier,” Foster said.
“He got a bit tight in some of his kickoffs and his goal kicking. That’s well documented. It’s not easy to start test matches. I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to the team announcement during the week and if he gets another chance I’m sure he’ll grow from the Napier experience.”
Having an assured presence off the shoulder – the type Nonu has provided for so long – is invaluable for any playmaker. It buys time and space and the ability to escape trouble.
Barrett may not have that luxury. Not only will he be tasked with controlling the team’s tempo, direction and perfect his decision-making under pressure, Barrett also needs to guide Fekitoa, along with experienced centre Conrad Smith.
“When you come to Argentina there’s going to be a lot of pressure, a lot of variables out there, you’re decision-making gets sped up. Yes there will be some mistakes,” Foster said.
“We expect that. We just want to see progress and growth.”
Just three tests ago the All Blacks weren’t ready to throw Fekitoa in at No 12. With Ryan Crotty unavailable, circumstances dictate they must take that punt sooner than preferred.
“It’s gradual,” Foster said of Fekitoa’s development at second-five.
“He’s had bits and pieces on the park and a reasonable amount of time off the park. It’s not a natural shift for him. He likes grabbing the ball and running and he’s pretty good at it.
“There’s things he’ll learn over time but we’ve got a lot of patience with it. He’s slowly learning the art of distribution, decision-making and some of the functions he’s got. It will take time but we’re pretty happy with how he’s progressing.
“You need to consider how long it took to grow some of those aspects in Ma’a’s game. It’s been in the latter few years Ma’a has added huge value in his distribution, decision-making and kicking. It’s a massive ask for Mala to jump in early in his career, change positions and do what Ma’a has done.”
Smith candidly admitted he wouldn’t fancy the prospect of moving in one spot and highlighted the numerous differences between the roles. He did, however, endorse Fekitoa to put into practice some of the lessons Nonu had imparted.
“He’s had a good leader in Ma’a to follow,” Smith said.
“He was great in the time they had together, passing on a lot of advice. We’ve got a long week to work on it and I’m sure he’ll be a lot better by the time the game comes.”
Provided he makes it through training unscathed, Sam Whitelock seems set to return for the All Blacks this week.
Of the returning trio – blindside flankers Jerome Kaino and Liam Messam being the others – Whitelock was considered most doubtful for Sunday’s test against the Pumas in La Plata after damaging his ribs in Napier three weeks ago.
But it appears that he has made a rapid recovery and will be given every chance of making a comeback.
“He’s made great progress to even be here,” All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. “We’ll see how he goes during the week and make a decision.”
With Patrick Tuipolutu and Dominic Bird left at home to work their way back to fitness, Whitelock, Brodie Retallick and Jeremy Thrush were the only three locks selected in the All Blacks 30-strong touring squad.
To quell the aggressive and physical Pumas pack Hansen is clearly keen to have specialist depth at his disposal.
“We’ve only brought three locks. It’s a matter of who starts and who comes off the bench really,” he said.
In somewhat of a stopgap measure, Steven Luatua has been used to cover thin second-row stocks.
“We may do that, but the last time we played Argentina we used three specialist locks and we’d like to do that again, all going well,” Hansen said. “If the training week goes well for Sam then he’ll be involved at some point. Whether it’s starting or coming off the bench we don’t know yet.”
Ultimately, Luatua’s athletic skill set is best utilised wider out from a lock’s core duties. His lineout talents can still be called upon from blindside, and off the bench. The preference is certainly to avoid using him at lock where possible.
Hansen has expressed confidence in Thrush’s recent performances. And having handed Thrush his first start against the Springboks he may, therefore, opt to continue his pairing with the powerhouse Retallick. That would then allow Whitelock to be eased back from the bench.
Retallick and Whitelock have formed arguably the world’s premier locking duo and this theory could see their formidable and complementary combination reform in South Africa next week.