Could Ali's pain be Donnelly's gain?

BY MARC HINTON

Last updated 16:50 30/01/2010

LAWRENCE SMITH/Stuff.co.nz

LOCKED OUT: Tom Donnelly is among the locking contenders to fill the gap left by Ali Williams' absence after rupturing his right Achilles for the second time.

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Highlanders lock Tom Donnelly shapes as a direct beneficiary of Ali Williams' cruel season-ending Achilles tendon rupture that looks set to take the experienced All Black out of all rugby in 2010.

But Donnelly will not be alone in realising that, suddenly, the All Blacks' second-row pecking order may not be as cut and dried as it was prior to Friday's twist of fate at Albany's North Harbour Stadium.

Really, it's a case of "gentlemen, form an orderly queue here" as national second-row contenders throughout the five Super 14 sides become aware that, suddenly, a major impediment to their progression has been removed.

Donnelly, who made an impressive introduction to test rugby last year, must now be a leading contender to retain his spot as Brad Thorn's second-row partner in the top test lineup.

It's understood the Otago and Highlanders lock had been contemplating a move offshore on the back of his test breakthrough, fuelled perhaps by the realisation that Williams' return to the All Blacks would create a mighty logjam for playing opportunities...

But he may now have a rethink on that, aware that his heady performances of 2009 must give him the inside running for 2010, providing he can demonstrate his form throughout the Super 14 for the Highlanders.

Donnelly made an instant impact for the All Blacks when he came in for the tail end of the Tri-Nations and the coaches were impressed by his no-nonsense approach and the certainty he brought to the struggling lineout.

Others will also have taken notice of Williams' latest setback. The stricken lock's Blues team-mate Anthony Boric now not only becomes the senior second-rower at the Auckland franchise, but also a potential key figure in the All Blacks.

Promising Cantab Isaac Ross also re-enters the national equation in Williams' absence, as does veteran former All Black Chris Jack who's looking to re-establish his credentials back with the Crusaders.

Others such as Jason Eaton and Bryn Evans of the Hurricanes, who have both tasted test action over the last couple of years, will also come back under the microscope.

In other words' Williams' pain is set to be somebody else's gain. That's the rugby way, of course, where serious injury is always hovering just around someone's corner.

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Williams lasted barely four minutes in his first game back since last year's surgery before rupturing the same Achilles tendon he'd had surgically repaired last year. The injury occurred just below the area that had been operated on, and came as he changed direction in a seemingly innocuous attempt to run to a defensive line.

The 28-year-old 61-test lock said: "I knew what it was as soon as it happened. As you'd expect I'm absolutely gutted."

All Blacks coach Graham Henry shrugged off the injury's consequence as far as his World Cup planning went, predicting that Williams would "be back" and that his class would ensure he made a full return.

But with the big man due to go under the knife again early this week, and medicos predicting between six and 12 months out of the game, there must be some serious question marks hovering over his career.

He will now have had the best part of two full years out of the game, and whether Williams can regain his former glories will be the great unknown. His problem Achilles tendon must also be a major concern, given the events of Friday night.

In the meantime it's up to men like Donnelly, Boric, Ross, Jack, Eaton and Evans to press their claims.

Certainly Henry's options, even without Williams, appear a lot more numerous than they were less than a year ago.

But another factor is worth considering. Brad Thorn will be 35 next week. Although the former Brisbane Bronco is coming off arguably his most consistent season of test rugby, there must be concerns over just how much longer he can maintain his high standards...

But in Williams' absence, Thorn assumes vital importance for the All Blacks. He's their senior second-rower and Henry will be keen to cajole him through one more year to keep the wily veteran in the World Cup picture. Providing, of course, his own body holds up. All indications are it will.

LIFE AFTER ALI - the leading contenders

Tom Donnelly: Master of the basics, and made a good fist of his belated test introduction in 2009. Good lineout operator, and can carry when needed. Top option.

Anthony Boric: Skilful, long and developing a harder edge. Made a promising return after a long spell out with injury, but needs a strong Super 14. Should get the chance to shine now.

Isaac Ross: Had a roller-coaster 2009. Played well in the domestic tests, but was then "rested" for the northern tour and told he needed to bulk up. Does the flashy stuff, but needs to look at workrate.

Chris Jack: Wrist injury will delay his reintroduction to the Super 14, but has experience and toughness to be worthy of consideration. Just how much time he gets at Crusaders remains to be seen.

Jason Eaton: Has a lot of ground to make up, and didn't make significant strides on last year's tour. But still a handy operator and will be aided by a strong Canes campaign.

Bryn Evans: Another who's had his career blighted by injury, but is on the national radar and highly rated at that. Starts again in the Super 14, but should get a chace to impress alongside Eaton.

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