Daniel Carter Backup Hardly Forthcoming - Who Would You Pick?
All Black first five eighth Daniel Carter is first in the pecking order with daylight second in the race to fill the Number 10 All Blacks jersey. But what would happen if for some reason he is unable to play in the Rugby World Cup final or any other match for that matter? The All Blacks could beat most teams on the planet with a solid Super Rugby first five eighth, but when it comes to winning the Rugby World Cup, they could be pushed to find someone else able to control proceedings like Daniel Carter and ultimately lead them to victory. What are the options?
There are so many options because although most of the backups have been tried at test match level, they have either struggled, are overcoming injury or have been playing in a different position. A backup to Carter would most likely only have to come off the bench or start against a minnow in the World Cup, so they could be a utility. The main pre-requisite is goalkicking ability under pressure. I am thinking that experience would be ideal and so I would go for Luke McAlister and if Colin Slade recovers from injury I would include him if possible. The squad makeup could depend heavily on if Piri Weepu returns to full fitness as he could be another backup first five eighth and halfback.
The contenders:
Mike Delaney (Chiefs)
Mike Delaney has played one test for the All Blacks and is usually a reliable goalkicker. He is heading towards the end of his career and is an excellent player at provincial level, but some would consider him a journeyman. He is steady but not necessarily flashy.
Stephen Donald (Chiefs)
The enigmatic Stephen Donald has played 22 test matches for the All Blacks, but is too inconsistent to command a regular place in the squad. He is injured at the moment, but can be brilliant one day, terrible the next, which is hardly ideal for the All Blacks. The All Black selectors showed outstanding loyalty to Stephen Donald which dumbfounded most fans on levels not seen since the Caleb Ralph days.
Luke McAlister (Blues)
McAlister is playing well this season. It has taken him time to re-adjust to the pace of the game in the Southern Hemisphere again. His goalkicking is reliable, but he is playing at second five-eighth for the Blues. There are question marks over if he has the communication and organisational skills to control the backline from first five eighth. He was part of that 2007 Rugby World Cup Quarter Final.
Piri Weepu (Hurricanes)
The halfback who can play first five eighth is an extremely good goalkicker and an ideal utility off the bench (like McAlister). The only problem is that Piri Weepu seriously broke his leg last season and there is no guarantee that he will fully recover. This would be a big blow for the All Blacks because he is in contention for both halfback and first five eighth positions.
Colin Slade (Highlanders)
Slade spent plenty of time behind Carter at the Crusaders and finally got his callup to the All Blacks last season. He seems like the best allround first five eighth backup. The only problem for Slade is that he finally recovered from a broken jaw preseason and is now battling a pubis bone injury which is set to continually affect him throughout the season.
Aaron Cruden (Hurricanes)
Aaron Cruden is one of the smallest players in Super Rugby weighing just 79kg. It seems that Cruden may not add to his six test appearances for the All Blacks. He has a great running game, but his size counts against his defence and his kicking game is not good enough for test match rugby. He is still young and could potentially improve, but it is hard to see the selectors going back to him given the poor start that Cruden and his Hurricanes have made to the season.
Stephen Brett (Blues)
The Blues first five eighth has finally been getting consistent game time after both injury, and being in the Crusaders setup behind Carter and Slade. His defence is a work in progress and is the reliability of his goalkicking, but he seems to be running the Blues backline well.
Other options
There are other options in young stars like Robbie Robinson, Lima Sopoaga, Beauden Barrett and Gareth Anscombe but these players are all raw to the Super Rugby level, let alone test level.
Mike Harris (Reds) - The North Harbour first five eighth and fullback is doing well at the Reds this season, although he could play for Australia. He also missed selection in New Zealand Super Rugby teams, so isn't up to much chop.
Experience - Journeymen like Tony Brown and Matt Berquist are the wrong side of 30, but both are reliable goalkickers and honest toilers on defence.
Bring Back Evans - Nick Evans is still playing well in the Northern Hemisphere, He is a quality player who left these shores too soon (I blame the expectations of winning the Rugby World Cup).
Who do you think should be the second Number 10 for the All Blacks?
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