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Steve Hansen probably has 26 or 27 players inked into the Air New Zealand flight manifesto and has all of August to make the call on the last four or five players.
There’s no doubt he will wait till the last moment, since he wants to know about the fitness of his props.
Number 9
Hansen has a tough choice between journeyman Andy Ellis (who’ll make fewer mistakes and big plays), the tough Tawera Kerr-Barlow, and Brad Weber.
Kerr-Barlow is in the same boat as Springboks captain Jean de Villiers – recovering from a gruesome knee injury and will either make it just in time or just too late.
Ellis was unlucky for years, but then when he got his chance against Samoa, he was really off the pace. Still, if Hansen is imagining the scenario under which he will see his third scrumhalf, I think he’d go with the oldie.
Number 10
Doesn’t it come down to a simple choice between Lima Sopoaga and Colin Slade?
Slade can play (not star, but play) at more positions, however Sopoaga is in good form. Again, it’s a similar choice, and it’s likely Hansen will go with an Ellis-Slade pairing in a pinch.
At the back, the big question seems to be Israel Dagg. Has he shown enough?
I’ve always rated Dagg, and not just because I think it’s imperative to have a big boot at 15. I think he can create channels of attack, and he’s not afraid of the big stage.
Forwards
At prop, it’s likely Charlie Faumuina won’t lose his spot if he can get healthy, but isn’t Nepo Laulala impressive?
At hooker, I thought all season that Hika Elliot had staked his claim, but then Codie Taylor seemed to steal his thunder.
Does Ellis Park knock James Broadhurst out?
In the loose forwards, it’s Sam Cane versus Matt Todd. Wouldn’t most teams love that to be their problem?
I’d go with Todd, but it’s really a no-lose choice.
The final head-scratcher for Hansen might be Liam Messam or Victor Vito. The latter is a better fit if he has to play all loose positions.
My All Blacks squad
Ben Smith, Israel Dagg, Charles Piutau, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Ma’a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Andy Ellis, Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw, Matt Todd, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Jeremy Thrush, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumaina, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Codie Taylor.
Who would you pick? Have I identified the main puzzles?
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