It's quite possibly a compliment Piri Weepu didn't want to hear from All Blacks coach Graham Henry.
Ahead of this weekend's test against Italy in Christchurch, Henry labelled Weepu a great impact player which will effectively confine him to the subs bench for the entire international season.
Weepu ability to play halfback and first five makes him a key asset for the side but against France he was rated behind Jimmy Cowan in his preferred halfback role.
With Brendon Leonard back to full fitness he's leapfrogged Weepu for the starting role against Italy this weekend.
Questions remain though as to why he didn't perhaps get the nod at first five ahead of Stephen Donald, after former All Black Grant Fox labelled Weepu the country's next best first five behind Dan Carter.
But there's no doubt in Henry's mind as to Weepu's role saying he's played a major role in changing a match when he comes on, praising his ability to read a match from the sideline and then impelment what's need when he takes the field.
Henry says undoubtedly Weepu would prefer to be in the starting lineup but they have discussed the matter with him and he's comfortable with his role.
