NEW ZEALAND

Search on for McCaw`s replacement

Tuesday 24th June 2008

Seven option: Tanerau Latimer

The question remains as to who will replace All Black captain Richie McCaw at number seven for the Tri-Nations.

Already the New Zealand press are speculating about who might replace their talisman after he sustained an injury that is set to keep him sidelined for at least four weeks.

Auckland's Daniel Braid is unlikely to be in the mix following a leg injury, which leaves Chris Masoe and Tanerau Latimer as potential candidates.

Masoe was one of the shock omissions from the original squad and it would be suprising to see the All Black selectors swallow their pride and pick the Hurricanes flanker.

But on the flip side, he is proven on the international stage and his impact at the break down would be especially valuable against the big Springbok forward pack.

The look of 21-year-old Latimer, who has shown impressive form in the Pacific Nations Cup as well as for the Chiefs in the Super 14, is another option who has had game time. Latimer can complement what they are trying to do so looks like a good option.

Rookie Adam Thomson could be given his first crack at the number seven jersey, and with Rodney So'oialo able to play all three loose forward positions, there are a myriad of options.

Thomson's work at the breakdown against England in Christchurch last Saturday after McCaw hobbled off in the 27th minute was impressive. He's very quick round the field and does a lot of tackling. The former Sevens player deserves to build on that work in the Tri-Nations opener against South Africa in Wellington on July 5.

It is possible the selectors will stay within their original squad, although the Crusaders' Kieran Reid could also come into contention.

New Zealand are acutely aware that they're in trouble, although they'll understandably never admit to that. South Africa therefore should take solace in their silence in the knowledge that under the Black bravado lies a team reeling after losing their most influential player.

The All Blacks are expected to name replacements for their squad in the next few days.