However, in Canterbury’s Ranfurly Shield loss to Auckland and in the semi final loss two weeks later to Wellington, Brett disappeared. Quite clearly he could not handle the pressure of these games. With all due respect to the likes of Bay of Plenty, Counties Manukau & Manawatu, facing Auckland & Wellington is a much tougher prospect & Brett simply was not up to it. The national selectors would have noticed this too and should be waiting until the pressure games of semi final football before making a concrete decision as to whether he will be the next AB second five.

Brett’s injury has opened the door for another youngster in Tim Bateman. Bateman played a handful of games in last year’s Crusaders campaign too, but his NPC was a stop start affair due to an injury. This was a real shame because like Brett, Bateman is an All Black in waiting but was not able to leave his mark on the competition. Bateman is excellent on attack and runs great lines, and can hold his own on defence too. He slots in easily at both second five and centre. I am in no doubt that he will grab this chance with both hands & force Robbie Deans’ hand somewhat – he will not be able to leave Tim Bateman out upon Brett’s return, piling pressure on Casey Laulala to perform. Bateman is thus far un-tested in a real pressure situation, but who knows, given his potential & the chance he has now been given, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him wearing a black jersey this year – if not for the mid year tests then certainly for the end of year tour.

If and when Bateman does perform for the Crusaders, it opens up the possibility of Deans using both Brett and Bateman in the midfield. Given the lack of options at centre in the country, and the selectors’ propensity to try people in that position, that same combination could be running out together as the ABs midfield pairing too.

But for now, whilst Brett is injured, look for Bateman to put his hand up and force his way into the national selectors’ thoughts at least.