With the naming of the All Blacks training squad as we head towards the incoming tests against Ireland, there has been much debate about the selection of Piri Weepu, his form for the disappointing Blues hasn't been particularly impressive, and the shape he showed up in this season has been the subject of many a talkback argument. Having named four half backs in the current extended squad, Weepu, Andy Ellis, Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Aaron Smith, the question begs, if we have so much depth, why does he deserve to be picked?
But firstly, let it be noted that this isn't the first time Weepu has gotten out of shape, but he always bounces back when it's time to play for the All Blacks, this bloke has served the jersey very well over the years. When it comes to Weepu, I always think back to him being passed over for the 2007 World Cup, which I still believe to be a mistake. How many in his position, in this "professional era" would have said OK, that's me done here, and went for the big bucks in Europe at that point? Weepu did no such thing, he fought back, turned out great performances and showed why he belongs in black. Was it really that long ago that we were cheering Weepu on as one of the most important parts of our World Cup effort? when the various pictures of Weepu with the "I've got this" caption did the rounds? and now we're ready to throw him to the wolves because he enjoyed his holiday a little too much? I'm not condoning this, but fact is there's many All blacks still recovering from World Cup hangovers in one form or another, Weepu's is one that can be worked out fairly easily, and the skill and heart he has shown for the All Blacks over the years is well worth it.
More importantly however, in what is no doubt a transitional period for the All Blacks as we move from the core of that World Cup winning group to blooding in the youngsters for a shot at defending the crown in 2015, is experience. With Jimmy Cowan and his 51 test caps out the door, a significant amount of time spent at halfback for the All Blacks over the last four years is now gone, all the experience and wisdom to teach the new generation gone with him. Weepu offers the experience of 56 test caps, he's done everything you can do in Rugby at this point, he's been around the block and back again, and the tips of the trade Weepu can offer to the likes of Smith and Kerr-Barlow will be invaluable. Many will point to Ellis and say he's been around a long time too so he can offer the experience. While it's true that Ellis has been around a long time, and I don't want to diminish his abilities, but he really hasn't been through the wars the way Weepu and Cowan have. Ellis hasn't amassed as many games, and he has never really held down a spot in the 22 let alone the number 9 jersey. He's performed very well this season and will hopefully continue to build off his All Black performances at the World Cup, but there is no replacement for the wisdom guys like Cowan and Weepu who have been all around the tracks can offer. We can't lose all that 100+ caps worth of experience at once.
When it comes to All Black selections, New Zealander's love to demand that the team be picked on "form", and with the blessing of depth we have here, there will always be plenty of guys in form sticking their hands up. But sometimes we forget the old adage "form is temporary, class is permanent". Don't be surprised when Weepu once again steps up in the black jersey and makes a few people eat their words while passing on his experience to the new generation in camp this year.
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