Former All Blacks coach John Hart believes the upcoming Super Rugby season will determine who forms the midfield combination at next year’s World Cup.
Hart, who coached the national side from 1996-99, told RadioLIVE's Sunday Sports that while one half of the midfield is solidified, the second is up for grabs.
"I think Jack Goodhue is the centre, it’s a matter of finding the second-five," he said.
"Against England, he was strong, took the ball to the line and was outstanding."
That leaves the question, who should start at second-five? For Hart, it's between Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams.
"Crotty was the difference maker in the midfield [against England]," he said. "He took control of the game and is a mastermind of that.
"Sonny Bill Williams hasn't had a good year, he's had a lot of injuries and it's sad that he's out.
"We haven't seen the best of him this year. I think if he has an injury free run, then we will see the best of him.
"I think it will be about who gets it together for Super Rugby."
Hart thinks the All Blacks got lucky with the television match official intervening late in the game to decide the potential match-winning try.
"Technically, I have no doubt the referee got the call right," he said. "You see the referee right there where he lets play go on.
"Surely, the TMO should be invited when it's something the referee can't see."
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