Ma'a Nonu's form on the wing hasn't escaped his attention, but All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith has hinted the Wellingtonian's international future is still in the midfield.

"It's interesting that he has been seen as a wing [by the Hurricanes this season]," Smith said when discussing the All Blacks' wing options in the wake of Joe Rokocoko's wrist injury.

"Ma'a can certainly play there and adds a lot of versatility. But he also has a skill-set that is very well suited to the midfield."

Smith was quick to point out that Nonu had been used by the All Blacks as a starting second five-eighth against France in 2006 and had come on at centre against the same opposition in Wellington last year.

"He can pass the ball both ways and pass flat and he is a good line-breaker. I would not write him off as a midfielder and a line-breaker in that area," Smith said.

"People might say they have not seen that this season, but I have watched him, and watched him train the other day and thought he did those things really well. And he's got a history there."

Smith's comments came on the same day Nonu was named to make his first appearance of the season at second five-eighth against the Bulls on Sunday after six appearances on the wing.

Smith wouldn't reveal which wings had impressed him most this season, but said he was impressed by the talent that had emerged in the wake of the overseas departures of Doug Howlett and Rico Gear, and Rokocoko's injury.

Incumbent All Black Sitiveni Sivivatu is widely picked to take one wing spot with his Chiefs teammate, Lelia Masaga, Nonu, and Highlanders flier Fetu'u Vainikolo the other popular choices.

Smith did snuff out Vainikolo's chances by pointing out the Tongan would not be eligible to play for New Zealand till March next year. Of the players he was looking at, Smith said scoring tries was not the only selection criteria.

"I'm looking at what they are doing off the ball, work- rate, not just finishing. It's the cover defence, kick chase and we are looking into things like the player's character."

The emergence of a squadron of flying black South African wings has not escaped Smith's eye and he said defence out wide would be key in this year's Tri-Nations.

"They [the South Africans] are extraordinary athletes aren't they? And I think the Aussies have some talent and depth in the backs and some players in good nick too.

"When you look at the opposition and someone to replace Joe their defence is going to be important.

"It needs to be someone who can get into position and stop them before they get up a head of steam."

Smith believed the ELVs (new rules) had had a positive effect on back play, but conceded he was essentially picking players on how they would fare under rugby's traditional rules.

"You have to take that into account because we are going back to the old laws for Ireland and England. You can imagine the game they will play against us.

"I think the ELVs have had a positive impact on the mindset in terms of finding space and attempting to move the ball quickly and look for opportunities out wide."

Smith admitted centre continued to be a position of intense debate around the selection table and had not been claimed since Tana Umaga's retirement.

"I think there are some pretty good options, but we have to make sure we get the right mix."

Whatever that is, it just might include Nonu.

The Dominion Post