I remember telling you a few years ago that Crotty was a pretty handy player
I've never been convinced Crotty was a long term option for the AB's, but the way Crotty has been playing this season I'm starting to think he could get quite a few tests for the AB's. Like Conrad Smith he always seems to do the right thing at the right time, is an excellent communicator (both on attack and defense), has excellent leadership skills, and his running game has really developed in recent seasons. He seems to have been around for ever, but he is only turning 26 in a few weeks time - about the same age as Conrad Smith was when he started to become a fixture in the AB's side. I'm certainly not suggesting that Crotty is in Smith's class yet (or even will get to that level), but I do think Crotty's style of play could be very effective at test level.
At this stage Crotty is still rated behind Nonu (and SBW) for the AB's 12 jersey, but I'm in some ways glad he should get a few more starts to show he wares, as he has been in much better form than Nonu this season. I also see Crotty as the best option to cover 13 should Conrad Smith get injured. I do love Fekitoa's potential, but Crotty is far more ready for test rugby at the moment, and a Nonu/Crotty midfield is far better balanced than a Nonu/Fekitoa midfield. Crotty will probably be lucky to make the RWC squad with SBW returning (and possibly Kahui?), but he is the sort of player I wouldn't mind seeing out on the field in a tight World Cup playoff match....