I'm guessing the reason for this is to free up a bench spot for none other than Sonny Bill. Another way would be to have a lock that can cover 6 eg; Isaac Ross or Jason Eaton. Of course sbw has to prove himself and I'm just speculating but why else would they be trying this option?

Afoa is the next "ultimate front row forward" hahaha, the media are starting to show early pre-world cup form I see. Afoa has improved his scrumming but until he proves otherwise hes not remotely a test prop, I think if he can become a dependable somerville type scrummer and drop a little of the lardy undercarriage then he has a future as a hooker cum prop. If he can be nearly as good as John Smit (we cant hope for 100% accurate throwing though, hes a kiwi remember) then the experiment will be deemed a success.

I hope the AB's don't automatically restore Hore when he gets back from injury, Mealamu has been playing such great rugby.

Also I reckon Hika Elliot brings much more than Afoa does at Hooker....

Elliot is mean as, great throw, has pace, great ball skills and reads the game better than most outside backs!

Such a waste of talent, De Malmanche has nothing on Elliot, If they want to talk about converting players, convert him (De Malmanche) back into a prop as he sure as hell cannot throw.

Clint #1

Totally agree. And we whinge on about player drain - what kind of message does this send to guys like Rutledge and Elliot- don't worry boys but we'll be converting a prop because we think they will be able to play better there that you.

Aled De Malmanche should convert to prop. From what I hear he is brutally strong. But as mentioned suffers from Anton Oliveresk throwing disease.

If Afoa has talent with throw ins then by all means give him time at hooker. NZ needs more hookers that can hit the mark...seems such an easy skill but has caused so much anguish for fans since Fitzpatrick retired.

with kevin mealamu playing so good and andrew hore comming back in late october i raelly cant see the need for afoa to be a hooker.

andrew hore was the first choice hooker until we got injured, he will come back and take his spot which will push mealamu back to bench, and with corey flynin the mix theres really no room for afoa as a hooker. keep him as prop cover he is still good

It's true Aled's throwing has been hot & cold. But so has Hore & Mealamu's throwing. Aled does have a brutal defence in close and he's really hard to stop when he has the ball as well. Great assets when the advantage line battle is so critical these days.

Aled De Malmanche can't throw, that's his problem. Apparently Afoa is a natural.

I actually would've given the nod to Aled De Malmanche to fill the hooker/prop role...being turned into hooker from prop. There would be very few front rowers who would get the better of him in either position. Kilo for kilo, he is probably one of the strongest there is. All he needs to do is work on his lineout throws.

I cannot understand the rational of using Afoa as a backup hooker. For whatever reason he seems to remain in contention for an ABs squad spot, despite continually being given a go and not measuring up at prop (let alone a position that he doesn't play!).

Aled de Melmanch(sp?) is far, far superior as a hooking option. I'd prefer them to give him a shot at back up prop (where he used to play) than the other way around with the oft tried Afoa.