ABs Next Generation First Fives

..As a three-time world player of the year, two time Rugby World Cup winner and the highest point scorer in Test match rugby history, Dan Carter is a bona fide legend of the game. From his All Blacks debut in 2003, through to his unparalleled performance against the Lions in 2005 and match-winning efforts in the 2015 Rugby World Cup final, Carter was a picture of excellence and professionalism.

Although Carter’s retirement leaves a giant gap on the All Blacks land scape, we take a look at some of the leading contenders to step into the number ten jersey this year.

RETURNING STAR
Chiefs first-five Aaron Cruden was pushing Dan Carter close for the All Blacks number ten jersey until a devastating knee injury ruled him out of Rugby World Cup contention last year. Now fully recovered, Cruden is displaying the form that made him a key part of the Chiefs Super Rugby success in 2012 and 2013. A gifted runner, astute tactical kicker, seasoned backline general and sharp goal-kicker, Cruden has all the attributes to become one of the world’s premier pivots.

 BOLTER
New Zealand is blessed with a proliferation of attacking first-fives, but arguably none are more electric than the Blues Ihaia West. Boasting blistering speed, stepping ability and a great vision for try-scoring opportunities, West is a throwback to the Carlos Spencer and Orene Ai’i era of attacking Blues pivots. The 24-year-old Hawke’s Bay product has also shown a big match temperament with clutch plays in Ranfurly Shield and Super Rugby contests. 

 YOUNG GUN
Virtually unknown outside of Canterbury until this Investec Super Rugby season, Richie Mo’unga has set the 2016 Investec Super Rugby season alight with his electric form. It took just three matches for the 21-year-old to top 50 points for the season – faster than Dan Carter or Andrew Mehrtens ever managed to reach the milestone for the Crusaders. If Mo’unga continues to impress for the Crusaders, he could well come into the selectors calculations. 

 IRREPRESSIBLE TALENT
Impeccable timing, calm under pressure and extraordinary vision are all traits that have made Lima Sopoaga one of New Zealand’s leading first-fives over recent years. Sopoaga was unlucky to miss out on the All Blacks 2015 Rugby World Cup squad after leading the Highlanders to Super Rugby glory and making a fine All Blacks debut against South Africa in the cauldron of Ellis Park. With Dan Carter and Colin Slade now plying their trade offshore, Sopoga has the opportunity to make the number ten jersey his own.


Sopoaga revealed what he needs to improve on order to impress the AB selectors
..."Maybe I could attack the line a little bit more, ball in hand wise...have a go myself every now and then.  I seem to be just shovelling on the ball but when you've got so much dangerous talent on your outside it's hard not to feed the ball and let the boys do the damage.

 VERSITILE WITH STYLE
Since making his All Blacks debut in 2012, Beauden Barrett has arguably been the All Blacks most influential player from the bench. Coming on at either first-five or fullback, Barrett has sparked victories with his electric attacking play. He showed this on the biggest stage by scoring the match-clinching try in the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Hurricanes playmaker will be hoping to make the shift from impact player to starter in 2016. 

 Let's not forget rugby's hottest property...the competition's leading points and try scorer...also leading all fullbacks in metres made, clean breaks and defenders beaten...

...The possibility of continuing an outstanding campaign by swapping his black Chiefs jersey for one with a silver fern adorning the chest? "I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. If that was to be the case, that would be pretty awesome, but we'll just wait and see.."

Cruden: Small, slow and overrated.

West: Until that try he scored last weekend I didn't know he had that kind of pace but he still seems a bit flaky to me and I question whether he's test quality.

Mo'unga: Has been impressive in his general play but his place kicking has to be a big question mark.

Sopoaga: Could be the answer but hasn't shown any great ability to beat defenders.

Barrett: A proven class act. The obvious choice. Don't know why it's even up for discussion.

D McKenzie: Let's see him play a few games at 1st 5 before calling him the next Dan Carter. Wish he'd drop the stupid fake smile from his kicking routine.

 

 Cruden is small, not slow and is able to martial the troops outside him to great effect.Hansen knows this and going by his stunning recent form he's a shoe in to be the first choice 10 come June.Barrett will continue in his role as super sub with Sopoaga waiting in the wings in case of injury. McKenzie will get his chance on the end of year tour I am thinking. What an embarrassment of riches we have in NZ; long may it continue!