So who will step up to replace in my opinion, the All Blacks' best player at last year's Rugby World Cup? Here are the potential alternatives for Steve Hansen to look at in a couple of month's time.
Messam is New Zealand rugby's current enigma. There is no doubt that the Chiefs co-captain has plenty of talent and is great with ball in hand but as a forward, his tackling abilities leave much to be desired and he was left out of the World Cup squad as a result of his loose game. Messam is more a number 8 but if he can show that he has improved his defensive game, he could be selected to play at the back of the scrum enabling Kieran Read or someone else to fill the blindside role.
Will Steve Hansen still consider Thomson a backup to McCaw or will there be a change of philosophy? Only time will tell but Thomson certainly has had a blinding start to the Super rugby season forming an effective backrow trio with John Hardie and Nasi Manu with James Haskell coming off the bench. Thomson's abilities in the lineouts and with ball in hand should be admired by all in world rugby but he must show these more often in the black jumper - something he hasn't quite done in the past. With Kaino injured, this could be the big Otago man's chance to shine.
Vito came up leaps and bounds last season and is effectively one of the more experienced players in a youthful Hurricanes lineup. Vito has also started the season for the Canes rather well. However, he is probably more suited to the number 8 role - which like Messam, could enable Read to move to blindside. However, Vito has shown he can play the blindside role so his versatility is likely to be considered.
The world's best number 8 a couple of seasons ago could be the world's best blindside flanker if given the opportunity. Read is certainly one of New Zealand rugby's leading players now and can easily fill the void left by the equally physical Jerome Kaino at blindside. He could be the favourite to fill that spot in June and early in the Rugby Championship.
A long shot but not a pipe dream. Playing the All Black captain at blindside could be a two-pronged blessing - it would mean the 30-year-old and battle-worn captain would have to do less of the tackling and allow another specialist openside flanker like Matt Todd, Sam Cane or John Hardie to come into the side. It could be similar to the move in the mid 90s that the All Black coaches made in order to accommodate Michael Jones and Josh Kronfeld (Jones was moved from his more familiar role at openside to blindside).
Other players to consider? There are quite a few long shots, i.e. young Jack Lam at the Hurricanes, the experienced but solid Chris Lowrey at the Blues, but I'd say barring a major injury crisis, the All Black coaching staff won't look beyond these 5 names.
I think Thomson is the most likely candidate but it depends on what route Hansen wants to take. Is he going to have some continuity and coach the All Blacks with a similar style as Henry or have a more conservative or more attack minded approach. I personally like the idea of testing Sam Cane/ Matt Todd. McCaw is going to have to retire at some point giving his injury worries, so why not give Cane some experience alongside him? Like you said, John Hart managed to do the same with Jones and Kronfield,and more recently....Deans did the same with McCaw and Johnny Leo'o and it was a great success. Messam is still too inconsistant to demand a starting place in my opinion.
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