Is Rudi away? Should he go?
21 June 2010

So what can be made by the most recent announcement that Rudi Wulf may not be leaving New Zealand shores just yet? With the deal having said to be done and dusted out of the woodwork comes the counter statement that he is in actual fact awaiting the announcement of the All Black selectors for the Tri-Nations before he confirms his intentions to move or not.

Does this now mean that the pressure goes back on the All Black selectors to keep a member of the "middle management" around for another year as they attempt to ensure that they keep strength and depth in terms of playing stock as the All Blacks start preparations for next years world cup? It is a question that many coach will face on a frequent basis if faced with the dilemma of large playing numbers.

How do you keep the fringe players keen and content whilst acknowledging that if everyone is fit the fringe player has almost no chance of playing? If we take the stock of current back three players around, it is fair to say that Rudi Wulf is in the second tier and whilst the departure of Tuitavake must have helped Wulf's chances, the resurgence of Rokocoko, the steadiness of Jane and the introduction of Dagg to add pressure to Mils Muliaina means that there is depth in this area of the All Blacks.

Couple that with Wulf's ability to play in the midfield along side of Nonu, Smith, Stanley, Kahui and one soon to be Sonny Bill Williams it suggests that Rudi is most definitely in the "middle management" of New Zealand rugby. Unfortunate for him in many ways as he is a very good player but very good does not seem to be enough right now. With Toulon increasingly comfortable to wave their cheque book around and offer some seriously big money is it any wonder that Wulf will possibly accept the invitation to base himself in southern France and top up his Super fund for when he stops playing. Lets face it, even if he does get brought into the All Black squad it seems to me that it is only for rainy day cover rather than a genuine interest in the players aspirations to become a regular All Black.

One thing is for sure, if he goes, Harbour will miss him and the fans will miss some of his brilliant counter attacking skills. At 26, he is still young and could benefit massively from a change of scenery and might just come back in two or three years a much better prospect of being a regular All Black. At the same time he could have topped his pension fund up enough to ensure that he ever has to work again when he stops playing. Only time will tell but I hope for Rudi's sake he is happy with his decision whichever it turns out to be. All the best Mr Wulf!

Mairangi Murray from the terraces!