Should Cory Jane Start Ahead of Ben Smith for All Blacks?

Steve Hansen has hinted that Wellington and Hurricanes winger/fullback, Cory Jane is set to be included in the All Blacks squad for the final tests of the season.

Cory Jane, who only returned to rugby last weekend for Wellington against Auckland, came off unscathed in his first game of rugby in 2013 following a serious leg injury sustained in pre-season for the Super Rugby campaign. He also featured at fullback for Wellington in their 35-24 defeat against Hawkes Bay in Napier on Thursday night.

Cory Jane should feature as Wellington pushes for its first national rugby championship since 2000 - meaning two more games at most to prove his fitness and that he is ready for a call up to the national side for the end of year tour to Japan, France, England and Ireland.

Indeed, Hansen might have hinted too that Cory Jane could start some games for the All Blacks by the end of the year. If he does, it would be in his customary openside wing position (number 14). This would be at the expense of the in-form Ben Smith.

Cory Jane must surely have to work hard to usurp Ben Smith

This may raise some eyebrows that the coaches are selecting players based on history and reputation. However, Jane has proven to be extremely reliable for the All Blacks, having never had a bad game in black even if he has had a bad season for the Hurricanes.

On the other hand, Ben Smith is in such scintillating form - to the point that he is undroppable at this time. So it would seem quite harsh if Hansen picked Cory Jane to start ahead of Ben Smith in the big games.

Mind you, given the long season Ben Smith has had and the relative freshness of Cory Jane, it may turn out to be a selection that could work against the fresh Northern Hemisphere sides.

At this stage though, expect Cory Jane to be selected for the squad and selected to play against the likes of Japan and maybe Ireland.

Oh well, something for Cory to look forward to other than making fake Japanese TV commercials..