Kaino, Read head queue for black jersey

So, Jerry Collins has made the ultimate sidestep. That leaves Graham Henry with a man-sized hole to fill in the All Blacks and no obvious contender to anoint as the great man's successor.

Jerome Kaino of the Blues and outstanding young Crusaders prospect Kieran Read appeal as the two most ready-made test prospects for the blindside flanker's spot, and it may be that both get their chance to trial for the position in the upcoming Iveco seriers against Ireland and France.

Then there is Collins' Hurricanes team-mate Chris Masoe who covers all three loose forward positions in the All Blacks and thus far has existed pretty much as Richie McCaw's understudy.

Could the All Balck selectors be tempted to turn Masoe into a blindside flanker and unleash him and McCaw as a tandem in the test arena? Or, conversely, move McCaw into the No 6 jersey and let Masoe absorb some of the punishment at openside? A longer shot, surely.

All are options that will be heavily explored by Henry, his forwards coach Steve Hansen and fellow selector Wayne Smith over the few days before they unveil their opening All Black squad of the year on Sunday.

But there are others who must also now be at least considered. The Chiefs duo of Liam Messam and Sione Lauaki come into that category, while one of the game's rising stars, Adam Thomson of the Highlanders, could also be a step closer to at least an end-of-year tour.

All Blacks forwards coach Steve Hansen concedes that Collins leaves a massive hole to fill -- even if the big man hadn't exactly been in vintage form with the Canes this season (distracted, some thought, not without good cause).

"His physicality is something he's always brought to the team, and through that he's given others confidence too," Hansen told Radio Sport. "And he's scared the hell out of a few other people too I should imagine.

"He'll be missed not only for that but the uniqueness of the bloke. But no one's irreplaceable and someone else will get an opportunity now to step up and bring their cards to the table. They won't be Jerry but they'll be whoever they are."

Hansen also pointed out that the selectors had been scanning their options over the Super 14, even without a direct stare from Collins.

"You pick your All Blacks as much as you can on form," added Hansen. "Jerry would be the first to say he probably hasn't played to the same high calibre this year. There have been opportunities to look at other people, and you're always planning for 'what-ifs'. The qualities that he has are the qualities you're by and large looking for in that position."

But Hansen stopped short of nominating the individuals that had staked the most impressive claims this season. For that we will have to wait for Sunday.

"All the 6s are highly competitive in New Zealand rugby," he added. "Loose forward is a position of depth, probably more so than any other. You could just about rattle off everybody playing in the Super 14."

But Hansen did tick off some of the key requirements.

"They've got to be defensively quality players and we like to see our 6 have the ability to carry the ball. They've got to have a great work ethic and the ability not only to make a lot of tackles, but quality tackles. If they can lineout jump [as well] that's a big bonus."

Surely Kaino and Read fulfil those qualities among the contenders. Kaino is a legitimate lineout option, has real height, is a fine ball-carrier and has shown a major increase in his workrate over the last couple of seasons. He also showed legitimate consistency for the Blues this season.

Read, too, has his supporters, the hard-working No 6 impressing many with his no-nonsense play for the Crusaders where he has stepped effortlessly into Reuben Thorne's boots this year. The main reservation with the Cantab has to be his lack of experience, and it will be interesting to see if the national coaches are prepared to chance their arm in this area.

This writer likes Messam's qualities, but he possibly hasn't done quite enough in the erratic Chiefs to demand inclusion. Lauaki remains an enigma, and possibly a better option at No 8. Thomson of the Highlanders would be a left-field choice, but he's definitely a guy worth keeping an eye on with a real X-factor about him.

There won't be a long wait to find out who the new blindside flanker/flankers are going to be. The selectors will announce the All Black squad on Sunday morning in Christchurch when they will unveil the first look at life after Jerry.

 

The contenders

Kieran Read (Crusaders): Age: 22. Physical: 1.93m, 105kg. Test caps: none. The skinny: A real comer who has excelled in the Crusaders pack. No real weaknesses, works hard and looks a solid customer. Lacks experience though and is unproven at the top level. Might need a bit more nurturing.

Jerome Kaino (Blues): Age: 25. Physical: 1.96m, 109kg. Test caps: 2. The skinny: Coming off a standout Super 14 where he was the Blues' most consistent performer up front. Has athleticism and workrate, and has improved his defensive game. Has been on the national fringes and worthy of another look.

Chris Masoe (Hurricanes): Age: 29. Physical: 1.83m, 106kg. Test caps: 20. The skinny: Hasn't played a huge amount as a blindside flanker, but has the strength and skills (if not the height) to make the shift, if required. Has the most test experience of all the contenders and this may be one factor weighing in his favour.

Liam Messam (Chiefs): Age: 24. Physical: 1.88m, 109kg. Test caps: none. The skinny: Has been dubbed an All Black-in-waiting, but hasn't made the move in 2008 that many have predicted. Playing in the hot-and-cold Chiefs probably hasn't helped his cause, but remains a class act.

Sione Lauaki (Chiefs): Age 26. Physical: 1.92m, 120kg. Test caps: 14. The skinny: The Chiefs prefer him at 8, but can handle the blindside duties.  Not been at his best this Super 14 and despite being an X-factor player, not likely to get the nod for a workhorse role like blindside. 

Adam Thomson (Highlanders): Age: 26. Physical: 1.96m, 112kg. Test caps: none. The skinny: A long shot. But after a spectacular Super 14 with the gritty Highlanders, worth keeping an eye on and a prospect for a tour at the end of the year. Has lineout ability, good workrate, gets round the paddock and has excellent ball skills.

Who do you think should be the new All Black No 6? Who's impressed you the most during the Super 14? Post your comments below.

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