By MARC HINTON IN DUNEDIN
Steve Hansen says Cory Jane is ready to start a test, but stopped short of anointing Beauden Barrett for a similar assignment in a "dead" Bledisloe rubber he says is all about the All Blacks "making a statement".
With Ben Smith confirmed to start at centre in Saturday's clash against the Wallabies under the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Jane is a strong chance to slot back in on the right wing after spending all year recovering from a serious knee injury.
Hansen confirmed today, after the All Blacks' first hitout of the week at Forsyth Barr Stadium, that Jane was fit enough to start a test after having just a game and a half back for the Wellington Lions
"He wouldn't be here if we didn't think he was ready to start," said Hansen who acknowledged the presence of the 43-test wing had helped in the decision to move Ben Smith off the right wing where he has been so effective during the Rugby Championship.
"He's got a similar skillset as far as wingers go," said Hansen of the 30-year-old Jane. "He's very good with his kick-chase game, good in the air ... all the things Bender [Smith] has got, and he's also a great finisher. Before he was injured he was world class and we're expecting him to get back there pretty quickly."
Though some are questioning the decision to move Smith so soon after he had taken command of the No 14 jersey, Hansen indicated it was a string to the Otago player's bow the All Blacks were keen to explore more.
"We've always said we need to find another centre," said Hansen. "Conrad has been the one and only for a long time and now's the time to do that. Ben's been the guy we've earmarked for a long time.
"We wanted him to really fill the jersey out and be comfortable in it. He's done that, and was probably the back of the Championship, if not the player of the Championship. He is in a rich vein of form, he's very confident and it's a good time to say 'right, let's have a look at this wee project'."
First-five also shapes as in interesting selection this week, with Dan Carter still absent, Aaron Cruden coming off a knee injury in Johannesburg and Beauden Barrett having tucked away three straight big-time efforts off the bench.
Hansen wouldn't be drawn on his preference, but his glowing assessment of Barrett's progress was notable.
