Cruden's in control so don't worry, be happy

A small confession before I weigh into the talk that's about on Aaron Cruden and his looming first test start for the All Blacks. By the way, I'm not as worried about it as some people seem to be.

I've been away for a month in the US doing the golf thing with my son, Ryan, and as such I've been following recent events from afar. Like you all I've enjoyed the All Blacks' continued good form, and now I'm in catch-up mode.

One of the big talking points since I've returned has been around Cruden getting his first start, and to a lesser extent who's likely to come into the squad for Dan Carter.

Clearly the timing is right now for Cruden. The Bledisloe and Tri Nations are locked away, Dan needed to get the ankle done and it's an ideal chance to find out more about the backup No 10.

This is a great opportunity for the young man who has only had cameo opportunities off the bench. There's less pressure on externally, though I'm sure he'll put pressure on himself to perform, as do all the ABs.

We're going to find out quite a bit about him in Sydney and he'll find out quite a bit about himself. It will help being in a team playing with a lot of confidence, self-belief and with a brand that suits his skill set.

It would be wrong to pass judgement on the basis of one start, irrespective of how he goes, but this will certainly be the biggest moment in his brief test career.

One strength of Cruden's is his organisational skills. In fact, the All Blacks believe his organisation and communication skills are superior to Carter's at the same age. That's a big rap. He demonstrated that in the Under-20s when he captained the side to the world championship, and won player of the tournament.

What else can we feel good about?

He carries ball to the line well which suits the All Blacks style of attack, and he has an established combination outside him. It will be interesting to see whether they partner him with Piri Weepu which may be in their thoughts not only because they've played a bit together, but from a goalkicking point of view.

I wouldn't expect them to give Aaron the goalkicking responsibilities, and if they don't the only other starting options would be Weepu or Israel Dagg.

Cruden has what I call a good "little" kicking game. He sees space in behind the defensive line well, and "big" kicking game is not quite so good, with accuracy his main challenge. I'm sure this will improve over time but it's more than adequate at the moment.

From what I've seen, his defence has improved. In Super rugby, teams often attacked the Hurricanes in his channel, with success. He might not be a knock 'em down tackler, but he's going around the legs to stop momentum and it looks like it's a technique he has been working on.

I'm excited for him. He's talented and what a great time to get your run-on start, when the team is doing as well as they are, and just that little bit of pressure is off.

Some are wondering about his lack of recent rugby, with today's run for Manawatu his only significant outing before Sydney. He's still very green and not having had time on the park is much more of an issue for a young man with limited test experience than it is for a seasoned veteran such as, say, Mils Muliaina.

The All Blacks also have to bring someone in to replace Carter.

History proves the selectors tend to go back to those who have been involved before, and with Mike Delany and Stephen Donald both injured, that leaves Luke McAlister.

McAlister's had test experience, he's been with the group briefly, has played test rugby at No 10, and he's a goalkicker.

There's interest in Colin Slade, who's a very good footballer, but with his lack of experience I'd see him more likely an option for the end-of-year tour.

One last thought: what's motivating the All Blacks now they've tucked away their two big trophies and completed their Springboks revenge mission?

There will be the internal pressures to meet standards, but I wonder if things such as this winning streak they're on might now come into the picture.

I would find those things motivating, and I would think they would, too. They may not want to talk about it, but internally I wouldn't mind betting there's a bit of chatter about their chance at making history.

* Grant Fox is a Rugby World Cup- winning All Blacks first five-eighths.

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