For over a decade, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith formed a formidable midfield combination for the All Blacks, Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes.

The magnetic pair secured their place as one of the greatest combinations in rugby history by lifting back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in 2015. While the retirement of the legendary duo has left a big hole in the All Blacks midfield, there are plenty of contenders ready to fill their boots.



CENTRE OF ATTENTION

From making his All Blacks debut in 2014, explosive centre Malakai Fekitoa has been ear-marked as Conrad Smith’s long-term replacement in the number thirteen jersey. The Tongan-born powerhouse has impressed across his 13 Test caps and showed in the 2015 Rugby World Cup that he can foot it on the biggest stage. His Super Rugby form for the Highlanders has been irrepressible, and at just 23 years of age, Fekitoa could be set for a long career in the black jersey.









SEVENS STAR

Sonny Bill Williams is fully committed to making the New Zealand Olympic sevens team which rules him out of the Steinlager Series. Assuming he makes the Rio team, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner will almost certainly be a contender for the All Blacks midfield for the latter stages of the Investec Rugby Championship and End of Year Tour. With an electric range of skills, impressive size and a proven ability to perform on the big stage, Williams offers an intriguing prospect to All Blacks selectors providing he can transition quickly back from sevens. Sonny Bill Williams is fully committed to making the New Zealand Olympic sevens team which rules him out of the Steinlager Series. Assuming he makes the Rio team, the two-time Rugby World Cup winner will almost certainly be a contender for the All Blacks midfield for the latter stages of the Investec Rugby Championship and End of Year Tour. With an electric range of skills, impressive size and a proven ability to perform on the big stage, Williams offers an intriguing prospect to All Blacks selectors providing he can transition quickly back from sevens.





THE SHOWMAN

Originally starting his career as a blockbusting wing, Blues star George Moala has turned into a well-rounded second-five over the past couple of seasons. With speed, strength, strong defence and proficient ball playing skills, Moala is in a similar mould to Ma’a Nonu. Moala marked his solitary All Blacks cap with a try in Apia last year and will be hoping for more opportunities this season.





THE TECHNICIAN

Blessed with a wide range of skills and superb timing, Crusaders second-five Ryan Crotty has been one of the leading mid-fielders in New Zealand rugby since his Investec Super Rugby debut in 2009. Vastly experienced, the 27-year-old is closing in on 100 caps for the Crusaders and provides leadership qualities to go along with his offensive and defensive prowess.





MR CONSISTENT

There is arguably no steadier mid-fielder in New Zealand than Chiefs second-five Charlie Ngatai. Able to cover either midfield position, Ngatai has the ability to break the line, marshal the defence, efficiently distribute the ball and kick tactically. As a one Test All Black and captain of the Maori All Blacks, 2016 could be a breakthrough year for the Gisborne-born talent.





SEASONED VETERAN

Fresh from three seasons playing in France, former All Black Rene Ranger is back for the Blues and looking in ominous form. As a proven game-breaker, Ranger cannot be ruled out from any selection conversations. While not quite back to the scintillating form that earned him an All Blacks call up in 2010, Ranger is steadily improving for the Blues and has not lost any of his attacking intent while also boasting proficient skills at the breakdown.



