Cruden: Give flyhalves time to settle
Aaron Cruden will go head-to-head with Handré Pollard for the first time in Wellington on Saturday, a possible prelude to a World Cup stand-off.
While Cruden is an established member of the All Black squad, Pollard is just beginning to find his feet in the Test arena – as Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer explores his flyhalf options.
Cruden said because of the importance of the role of a No.10, time in the saddle is vital.
However, the significance of "building depth" should not be discounted.
* The article continues below the video clip!
Cruden, speaking to rugby365 ahead of Saturday's Rugby Championship showdown between New Zealand and South Africa, said there are quality flyhalves in every team.
"No.10 is such a crucial position within a team and they are that link, along with No.9, between forwards and backs," the 25-year-old pivot said.
He felt that ideally if a coach finds a something that works, he should give that combination as much time as possible to grow.
"Coaches are sometimes a little bit unsure who to give the job to," the All Black said, adding: "They [flyhalves] have to perform to warrant the jersey, but if they don't perform there is always somebody waiting in the wings.
"That is the great thing about rugby, one guy's misfortune is somebody else's opportunity."
While it is important that coaches settle on combinations and "give certain guys as much time as possible to settle", Cruden felt it is also important to grow depth.
"If your team does pick up injuries, somebody else has to step in and fill that role," he told rugby365.
"In competitions like the Rugby Championship, and even if you look forward to the World Cup [next year], it is important having guys that can come in and do the job, regardless of the situation."
Bios:
Full name: Aaron Wiremu Cruden
Date of birth: 8 January 1989 (current age 25)
Place of birth: Palmerston North
Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
Weight: 82 kg (12 st 13 lb)
Position: Flyhalf
All Black caps: 34 (14 as a replacement – 250 points)
Full name: Handré Pollard
Date of birth: 11 March 1994 (current age 20)
Place of birth: Somerset West
Height: 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Weight: 97 kg (15 st 4 lb)
Playing: Flyhalf/inside centre
Springbok caps: Three (29 points)
By Jan de Koning
* This Aaron Cruden interview was brought to you courtesy of the AIG Rugby Safety Awards, a global campaign to tackle safety in rugby. Find out how you could win safety equipment for your club here: www.aig.com/saferugby
