James O\u2019Connor can\u2019t understand why Crusaders captain David Havili is not mentioned in the conversation for the All Blacks\u2019 midfield conundrum.<\/b><\/p>\n
While Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane dominated the starting centre roles during Scott Robertson\u2019s first year in charge of the All Blacks, continuing the trend from 2023, many believe there should be a change in the midfield.<\/p>\n
All Blacks\u2019 midfield depth<\/p>\n
This comes after Barrett\u2019s short-term move to Leinster and Ioane\u2019s underwhelming and inconsistent performances for club and country since moving off the wing into the centres.<\/p>\n
Hurricanes star Billy Proctor made his Test debut last year for New Zealand but wasn\u2019t able to dislodge Ioane or Barrett, earning just two caps. While he missed a long chunk of the Super Rugby season through injury, he returned in fine form in the latter stages, which has reignited the debate.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Highlanders star Timoci Tavatavanawai has shot into contention after his blockbuster shifts throughout the year, with former scrum-half Justin Marshall dubbing him \u201cMa\u2019a Nonu on steroids\u201d.<\/p>\n
The imminent return of Leicester Fainga\u02bbanuku to the Crusaders in 2026 creates further depth as he could be recalled to the Test set-up before he features in Super Rugby Pacific<\/a> again.<\/p>\n In Anton Lienert-Brown\u2019s absence, Quinn Tupaea and Daniel Rona have impressed for the Chiefs, which only further highlights the depth at Robertson\u2019s disposal.<\/p>\n Still, Crusaders utility back Havili<\/a> is rarely mentioned in the All Blacks<\/a> conversation, with some even surprised by his inclusion in the squad last year, which perplexes O\u2019Connor.<\/p>\n Crusaders hammer blow as All Blacks powerhouse misses Blues showdown while \u2018underdogs\u2019 make key change<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Ex-All Blacks winger set for bombshell Aussie Super Rugby return as Caleb Clarke decides his future<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Havili\u2019s strengths<\/p>\n \u201cEveryone is throwing up names for the All Blacks\u2019 12 and I\u2019m like, \u2018why isn\u2019t Davey in the picture?’\u201d the Wallabies playmaker said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Australia & New Zealand podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s been the most consistent performer [this season].<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve played with some great players\u2026but he\u2019s one of the best players I\u2019ve played with in terms of IQ, skill-set, he\u2019s a dog, he can hit, whack, read [on defence], he\u2019s got it all.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is not undervalued but I\u2019d love to see him get another crack.\u201d<\/p>\n