22 Jun 2016

Savea back in black?

12:09 pm on 22 June 2016

All Blacks wing Julian Savea could be set for a recall after being dropped for the second test against Wales.

All Black players Julian and Ardie Savea.

All Black players Julian and Ardie Savea. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 25-year-old produced a clunky, lacklustre performance in the first test win in Auckland with coach Steve Hansen describing the 42-test player as mentally "bogged down".

However assistant coach Ian Foster said Savea had been looking sharp and "training the house down" before the third and final test against Wales this weekend.

Julian Savea scores the All Blacks first try.

Julian Savea scores the All Blacks first try. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Julian Savea scored a great try but had a tough night against George North in the first test against Wales.

Julian Savea scored a great try but had a tough night against George North in the first test against Wales. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"We've been really impressed with him, he's been working hard and his behaviour around camp has been outstanding.

"He's a very motivated young man who wants to be a great All Black. So again we're delighted with that behaviour. Now his challenge is when he gets his next opportunity to go out there and do that (play instinctively)."

Pundits seem to be divided over whether Savea will start in Dunedin and Foster and Hansen's comments this week could be interpreted either way, some hinting he'll be back this Saturday, others indicating he won't play for the All Blacks again until the Rugby Championship.

I think he will get the nod to play his way back into form, however who he could replace is also unclear.

Fellow wing Waisake Naholo has got through a power of work in the first two tests and looked visibly fatigued near the end of the second match as he tried to chase down a breakaway Welsh forward.

The All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo and fullback Israel Dagg.

The All Blacks wing Waisake Naholo and fullback Israel Dagg. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Fullback Israel Dagg was solid in Wellington and likely deserves another shot, while it's near impossible to leave vice-captain and fullback/wing Ben Smith out of the starting XV.

Ben Smith scores in his 50th Test.

Ben Smith scores in his 50th Test. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

That could lead to Naholo getting a rest, with Dagg staying at fullback and Savea and Smith on the wings.

Another train of thought is that the All Blacks will re-install their first test back three combination of Savea and Naholo on the wings and Smith at fullback.

With Aaron Cruden likely to be given the week off to overcome a neck injury, Beauden Barrett is set to start at first-five, with Lima Sopoaga in the reserves.

Highlanders first five Lima Sopoaga

Highlanders first five Lima Sopoaga Photo: PHOTOSPORT

That removes Barrett's versatility and potency as a substitute, meaning Dagg could be viewed as ideal outside back/utility back cover from the bench.

Another intriguing selection battle is at openside flanker.

Incumbent Sam Cane is coming under increasing pressure from Ardie Savea, though the former said he was embracing the challenge.

The All Blacks' flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane.

The All Blacks' flankers Ardie Savea and Sam Cane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Cane, who spent four years behind Richie McCaw waiting for a regular start, is now facing competition from the Hurricanes' ball runner who made his test debut against Wales two weeks ago.

All Black flanker Sam Cane RWC2015

All Black flanker Sam Cane. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Cane said he wanted to start in the number seven jersey but would do whatever benefited the team.

"Deep down, we are all competitive people in this environment and you are ultimately competing for a spot. But what overrides that is the team first and foremost thing so, no matter who gets picked, who plays what for how long, you know that it is being done for the betterment of the team.

"Whether you like that or not, you suck it up because it is a bloody good team to be part of."

The hype surrounding Savea is fair - he's extremely talented and has made a marked impact from the bench in his first two tests.

Ardie Savea scores his first try for the All Blacks.

Ardie Savea scores his first try for the All Blacks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Foster said the coaches have been suitably impressed.

"The thing is that Ardie is showing that he's a great impact player and we have seen with the Hurricanes that he can start really well so we have some good choices. I know it is natural to compare one against the other but, for us, we look at the (match-day) 23 and think about how we use the different skill sets we have got.

"They (Cane and Savea) have got great skill sets and are quality players and that is exactly the spot we want to be in.

"There are two different styles and we have asked the two players to do two different things."

All Black loosie Sam Cane

All Black loosie Sam Cane Photo: PHOTOSPORT

While Cane's contribution may not have been so obvious, Hansen has been pleased with his performances and he's expected to again start at openside.

He is likely to remain the All Blacks first choice No.7 for some time.

As for Highlanders fans hoping some of their home town heroes might get a run in Dunedin, Foster said the game's location would not be a factor in the selection process.

Lima Sopoaga on debut for All Blacks vs South Africa 2015.

Lima Sopoaga on debut for All Blacks vs South Africa 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

New All Black Liam Squire.

New All Black Liam Squire. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Highlanders' loose forwards Liam Squire and Elliott Dixon and first-five Lima Sopoaga did not play the first two tests and with the series wrapped up 2-0, local fans believe their favourites should get the chance to run out in the black jersey onto Forsyth Barr Stadium.

While not ruling out the trio's chances of suiting up on Saturday, Foster said they would not be picked just because the test was at their Super Rugby home.

"We don't actually factor in at all whether it's a home ground or not. It's purely about who we feel the best for the team is and how they're performing in our camp and when we think the time is right for them to go on. So if people get a chance to be an All Black it's because they've earnt it, not because of the ground we're playing on."

The All Blacks team for the third test against Wales in Dunedin will be named tomorrow.

-RNZ