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Sonny Bill Williams busts the Scottish open - Source: Getty -
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The pressure appears to be on Ma'a Nonu with Sonny Bill Williams excelling at second five for the All Blacks against Scotland.
The selectors are meeting this morning to discuss selections for this weekend's Test against Ireland with the midfield combination a big talking point.
Williams and Conrad Smith combined superbly at the weekend and coach Graham Henry concedes it won't be an easy call to make.
He says the midfield selection has been pretty consistent over the last few years and Nonu and Smith have done a fantastic job.
But Henry says now they have others who can play there and at the end of the day someone will be disappointed.
He says they will look to field a similar side to the one that destroyed Scotland 49-3 yesterday.
Wing Cory Jane has recovered from a chest injury and is likely to be available to face Ireland.
Who do you think should be in the All Blacks midfield against Ireland? Have your say on the message board below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentPragmatist said on 2010-11-15 @ 17:41 NZDT: Report abusive post
Either SBW or Nonu will do at inside centre, depending on the opposition. We have to bear in mind the poor defence of Scotland when waxing lyrically on the skills of SBW though. Would he do the same job against South Africa, Australia or France? He was not at his best against England at outside centre and Smith reigns supreme in that position. His defence (and that of Nonu remains suspect). Time to have better backup for Conrad though so bring on Robbie Fruean!!
Cann River Bob said on 2010-11-15 @ 15:55 NZDT: Report abusive post
Not sure about Henry's comment regarding "others being able to play there". That applies to inside centre where clearly SBW poses a major threat to Nonu, but I can't see how it applies to outside centre. Everyone else tried there, including SBW, has fallen well short of Smith's standard and his selection is as critical to the ABs as Richie and Dan - maybe more so! We won't win the WC with any of those three missing. I would pick SBW to be inside Smith when it really counts.
BM said on 2010-11-15 @ 14:58 NZDT: Report abusive post
A tough one. I think that Williams is the best passer of the ball and threat to a defence yet Nonu has great ability to bust the defence line whilst Smith is resolute on defence and works well with both. I believe the selectors should choose a pairing on a game by game basis to best suit the opposition. Its good to have 3 very capable players of this type.
Wolfman said on 2010-11-14 @ 15:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
At long last we have a 2nd five that can pass the ball and not go to ground with it. Nonu only looks good when he is given the ball with no one in front of him, and seldom passes to available players. The difference between him and Williams is that Williams can put players into gaps and not die with the ball.
Wolfman said on 2010-11-14 @ 15:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
At long last we have a 2nd five that can pass the ball and not go to ground with it. Nonu only looks good when he is given the ball with no one in front of him, and seldom passes to available players. The difference between him and Williams is that Williams can put players into gaps and not die with the ball.