The All Blacks Rugby World Cup squad - fly-half

With the World Cup now just 12 weeks away, the conversations about who will lift the trophy have already begun and it is clear that New Zealand are favourites to retain the Webb Ellis Cup.

They have lost just two tests since they beat France 8-7 in the 2011 World Cup final and if you look at the provisional squad that was announced earlier in this week, it is hard to bet against the All Blacks for this tournament.

There is so much strength in depth on display. Coach Steve Hansen could pick two world-class starting XVs from the current pool of players which he has.

It is also evident that he has an abundance of talent to choose from in the fly-half position. The evergreen Dan Carter has been joined by his Crusaders team mate Colin Slade, Highlanders Lima Sopoga and the stand out 10 of the Super Rugby season – Beauden Barrett from the Hurricanes. These four are seen as the main contenders for the shirt.

Sympathy has to go towards Aaron Cruden who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury and would’ve been a sure bet for this squad after solid performances in an All Blacks shirt.

The creative Carter has been hampered by injuries since the World Cup four years ago, but showed with his form towards the end of the Super Rugby campaign that he still has the ability to be a game changer in the middle of the park. We think his move from inside-centre to 10 for the Crusaders highlights where he is most effective.

For us, Slade will be behind Barrett who has lit up the Super Rugby 2015 season with brilliant performances and looks favourite to step into Carter’s shoes when called upon. Barrett started ahead of the New Zealand legend and Cruden against Wales last November where he scored two tries.

All three of Carter, Slade and Barrett are versatile players and can slot into numerous positions in the backs which could allow 24-year-old and new kid on the All Black scene, Lima Sopoaga, the chance to make his debut.

He may not get into the World Cup squad unless there is an injury, but he will want to impress during his time in this training squad.

There are a few players that have outside chances too. Hurricanes’ James Marshall and Bayonne’s Tom Taylor can play in a variety of positions and are experienced at club level, but haven’t really made it on the international stage as yet due to the competition in front of them.
    
Youngsters Ihaia West, Damian McKenzie, Marty McKenzie and Otere Black are certainly ones for the future, but are unlikely to feature for the All Blacks in 2015.

Injuries at fly-half seem to come at the worst possible times for New Zealand. In their last two finals, they have needed to call on a replacement.

In 2011 Stephen Donald came on from the bench early in the final when Cruden was forced off and he kicked the winning penalty. With this in mind, those young stars of the future may yet get their chance in the autumn.

Overall, from Hansen’s squad there are only really four players in the running for the fly-half position. Who will trot out at Wembley on September 20 with that 10 shirt on?

TRU’s Scott Donaldson’s Fly-Half Prediction

Fly-half likelihood of attending the Rugby World Cup if fit:

Beauden Barret - 100 per cent
Dan Carter - 80 per cent
Colin Slade - 70 per cent
Lima Sopoaga - 30 per cent
Aaron Cruden - 5 per cent
Damian McKenzie - 5 per cent
Tom Taylor - 5 per cent

The other five per cent is split between the contenders like James Marshall, Ihaia West, Marty McKenzie, Otere Black etc.