Laumape's performance sparks huge debate over All Black centre partnership

After the Hurricanes’ late win over the Highlanders in Wellington on Friday, one player in particular has grabbed the fans’ attention on Twitter, Ngani Laumape.

After scoring a hattrick last week against the Brumbies, the 25-year-old bagged another two against the Highlanders in superb fashion. However, it is not just his try scoring that is making him one of the in-form players in New Zealand currently. Throughout the game he proved what a danger he is with ball in had; he was brushing defenders off with consummate ease and making ground. His passing is increasingly improving, and he added a few deft kicks behind the Highlanders’ defence.

While some may still have reservations about certain aspects of his game, this is what the fans are saying about the bulldozing centre:

https://twitter.com/Samuel_simmonds/status/1103918529085005825

Laumape is playing on a different level at the moment….Brilliant to watch #TheTank

— Dale Griff (@dale_griff) March 8, 2019

Ngani Laumape with another wrecking ball performance at the gainline… 82 running metres, 5 defenders beaten, 2 tries after 65 mins… without the benefit of a decent set piece platform.

Impressive power and attitude.#HURvHIG

— Jon Cardinelli (@jon_cardinelli) March 8, 2019

https://twitter.com/i_mraa_/status/1103914085157023746

Laumape’s close to unstoppable in one on one situations #HURvHIG

— Tom Hiscott (@Hiscott) March 8, 2019

Laumape issa BEAST. #SuperRugby

— Navakholo (@Munyas_a) March 8, 2019

Giving Laumape space to charge at you is a death wish🙆🏾‍♂️ #HURvHIG

— Wadda Moses (@Mosesthesixth) March 8, 2019

There is no better time than a World Cup year to hit the form of your life, and Laumape is rapidly racing into contention for many fans to make the All Blacks squad for rugby’s showpiece later this year.

Steve Hansen has many centres to choose from for this year’s tournament, meaning some players will be left disappointed come September. On current form, many fans are enticed by the prospect of the Hurricane linking up with either of the Crusaders’ duo Ryan Crotty or Jack Goodhue in the midfield for the All Blacks. Either way, many feel that the former league player must start this year in a black jersey.

With Anton Lienert-Brown also in contention, some fans are saying that Sonny Bill Williams has tough competition to make the squad this year with Laumape’s form, and that Ma’a Nonu’s chances are even slimmer.

The Hurricanes have now won three from four games, and many other members of their squad, such as Ardie Savea and Ben Lam, look to be in scintillating form. But it’s the centre Laumape that seems to be making the biggest statement at the moment.

This is what the fans have been saying about the All Blacks squad:

Laumape has to be in World Cup squad! #HURvHIG #AllBlacks

— The Cooler (@The____Cooler) March 8, 2019

Yeah laumape got to be a all black starter. Would smash the irish defence #teampower. #HURvHIG

— Michael (@manapouriman) March 8, 2019

https://twitter.com/Chrzko/status/1103917385818365952

https://twitter.com/aTribalOG/status/1103923841724633091

https://twitter.com/Sports_k1ng/status/1103923533401358338

Right now if I had to pick my All Black centres it’s Crotty, Laumape, Goodhue and Leniert-Brown.

— Thala Msutu (@ThalaMsutu77) March 8, 2019

Sonny Bill is in trouble here. Laumape is a problem

— Kaunda Ntunja (@kaundantunja) March 8, 2019

Give Laumape the 12 Jersey, inside Jack Goodhue, young exciting centre pairing.#HURvHIG #allblacks

— Paul (@rugga13) March 8, 2019

Love to see a Laumape/Crotty combo in the Abs #HURvHIG

— Michael (@manapouriman) March 8, 2019