Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's future as an All Black will rest on his ability to cover more than one position, according to former internationals Justin Marshall and Sir John Kirwan.
Since his much-hyped switch from the rugby league back to union, Tuivasa-Sheck's time in the black jersey has been limited, as he tries to make his name in midfield.
Called into the All Blacks squad at the start of the season, he has made just two test appearances, both about 10 minutes off the bench.
The former NZ Warriors captain has shut down any talk he will return to the 13-man code, as he races to prove his worth before next year's Rugby World Cup in France.
Playing for Auckland against Taranaki in the NPC, Tuivasa-Sheck's switched position before kick-off, moving from second-five to right wing, the first time playing on the flank since his return to the code.
Speaking on Sky Sport's Breakdown, former All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall argues in favour of the switch, allowing Tuivasa-Sheck to showcase the skills that saw him named the NRL's best player in 2018.
"You would want to play a position that gives you more space," said Marshall. "There's a lot of congestion with line speed now around 9, 10 and 12.
"It doesn't give somebody with the ability of his footwork to line a player up, and completely bamboozle with the lightning step and feet that he's got. He's always getting a player at the same time he's getting the ball.
"My thought process is give him some opportunity to play across the field with more space."
So far in 2022, the All Blacks have altered their tactics around they want from their second-five eighth. David Havili has played most minutes in the position, while Jordie Barrett successfully switched from fullback to midfield in the All Blacks' 40-14 win over Australia in their last outing.
Both players possess strong kicking games, a facet Tuivasa-Sheck has not displayed so far.
Those factors could ultimately see Tuivasa-Sheck's future lying away from midfield.
"As a 12, the All Blacks have been massively benefitted in the last few test matches by a 12 who can kick," added Marshall. "You've got to be incredibly balanced as that player now - be a first receiver, be a hard carrier, be a kicking option and defensively shut down that zone.
"You've got to have all those requirements. I'm just wondering whether or not that's too much for a guy that's just trying to find his way and love the game again."
Meanwhile, Kirwan insists versatility will only play into Tuivasa-Sheck's hands, if he wants to break into coach Ian Foster's first-choice plans. Halfback is currently the only position in the All Blacks backline that could be considered a specialist role.
Apart from Richie Mo'unga and Caleb Clarke, all the All Blacks' other backline starters are capable of covering other positions - an area where Tuivasa-Sheck can boost his own credentials.
"Anton Lienert-Brown is coming back into the All Blacks as a specialist," said Sir John. "If he wants to go on that tour, he will need to play two positions.
"I think it's a positive either way. Any back nowadays has to [be able to] play in two positions.
"He's got to play two positions. If they're going to take him in the All Blacks, then he might find himself on the wing, if he wants to make the World Cup."
Not all pundits are impressed with the switch. Former All Blacks fullback Mils Muliaina - who himself was switched into midfield from his preferred position - disagrees with the move, arguing Tuivasa-Sheck needs time to build his skillset.
"I get it, make him enjoy playing rugby, that's fine, but you've stuck with him." said Muliaina. "He's an All Black, he's a superstar.
"Let him pick up some experience at 12 at NPC level, where you can pick up specialist skills in that position."
Tuivasa-Sheck will hope for inclusion in Foster's squad to travel to the northern hemisphere for the end-of-year tour. Otherwise, a place in the All Blacks XV side could await as a means of accruing gametime.
Foster names his northern tour squad on October 9.
Join Newshub for live updates of the All Blacks' northern hemisphere tour, starting October 29 against Japan
