Selectors: Halfbacks are the kings now

LAWRENCE SMITH/Fairfax

HALFBACK: Wayne Smith, a former All Blacks first-five, believes this year's law interpretations "mean the halfback is much more important than he used to be".

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The All Blacks selection panel appear poised to spring a surprise on us with confirmation coming yesterday from assistant coach Wayne Smith that he and head coach Graham Henry believe rugby has a new kingmaker: the halfback.

The reign and control once exerted by first-fives is now on the wane and the search is on for a No9 who, first and foremost, can run and therefore take advantage of the new powers bestowed upon the position by the game's lawmakers.

Smith, a former All Blacks first-five, believes this year's law interpretations "mean the halfback is much more important than he used to be".

"It is only my opinion, but Ted [Henry] and I have [analysed] every Super 14 game," he said. "Of late we have been focusing more on the top teams to see what is happening and what is working, and that is something we have seen, that the No9s are becoming more important than previously.

"There's now more opportunity for them to run and get in behind defences, by picking up the ball and probing gaps close to the breakdown or down the blindsides, because there are plenty of opportunities there.

"They are there for the taking and teams that have a good No9, who can do that, are winning a lot of matches."

One of the keys to the Queensland Reds' success thus far this year has been their halfback, Will Genia. One of his many strengths is his running game.

He is strong with a low centre of gravity and makes good metres when he darts and probes with the ball.

Smith said the message had been sent to New Zealand's halfbacks to play in a similar way.

"If you look at Jimmy Cowan, for example, we have had the chance to work with him over the last couple of weeks.

"We are seeing a bit of that in his game now and the realisation of the opportunities for a No9.

"Piri Weepu has to [run] when he gets opportunities. When he came on the other night, I thought he was pretty good when attacking.

"There are a lot of players realising they have got an opportunity."

Which brings us to Kahn Fotuali'i.

The Tasman halfback has shared the Crusaders' No9 jersey with fellow snipe Andy Ellis this year.

But in recent times the upstart has jumped ahead of his more esteemed colleague. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder started Fotuali'i in yesterday morning's match against the Stormers. Ellis came on as a replacement when Fotuali'i injured a knee.

Smith has been as impressed as Blackadder and on Friday fuelled speculation that either Fotuali'i, or Alby Mathewson, who are the two halfbacks in New Zealand who most resemble Genia, could be in line for an All Blacks call-up.

"We have had some players put their hands up," Smith confirmed.

"He [Fotuali'i] is an example of that. There are others as well we know are up to the level – they have proven it.

"The key point is, if you are just going to pass or kick it you are not going to cut the mustard.

"You have to have more to your game now. That is critical. So it is a good time for running halfbacks."

If Fotuali'i recovers, his hopes of an All Blacks call-up could be decided next weekend.

The Crusaders' next opponents are the Bulls. A commanding performance against Fourie du Preez, who, along with Genia, is the most complete No9 in the world, would confirm the hype surrounding Fotuali'i is real rather than imagined.

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