Backline projects are diverse.
If champion playmaker Daniel Carter is fit -- and there was still some uncertainty expressed yesterday by coach Steve Hansen -- he will have to get up to speed with team tactics after not playing for the All Blacks since damaging his leg in his 100th test last November against England.
After his Super 15 comeback ended in injury, Carter has managed only 40 minutes in the ITM Cup because of persistent leg issues.
Staff will have to integrate league convert and father-to-be Sonny Bill Williams, assimilate new halfback Augustine Pulu and reignite the spluttering form of Israel Dagg.
Up front there will be an emphasis on tight five control and countering the physical onslaught from England while Victor Vito needs a refresher course on plays and Luke Romano has to work on all aspects of his comeback from injury.
Those balancing acts will start on Sunday when the All Blacks leave for Chicago and their opening test with USA before rounding out their year with clashes against England, Scotland and Wales.
The opening test at Soldier Field in Chicago was sold out and Hansen said his squad was looking forward to showing American rugby fans what the All Blacks are all about.
"The England test match the following week is going to be massive. We have already played them three times this year and we are their first opponent at home in what will be a big series for them and they will be looking to put a stake in the ground, as will we," the All Black coach said after yesterday's announcement.
"Scotland and Wales will then offer their own unique challenges in the second half of the tour."
There was sympathy from Hansen for loosies Matt Todd and Steven Luatua, who missed selection as growing numbers continue to apply pressure for touring places.
In a nod to the expected retirement of captain Richie McCaw after next year's World Cup, Hansen said he hoped Todd would hang around because he was a talented flanker who would get his chance in the black jersey.
Injuries to Tony Woodcock, Ma'a Nonu and Tawera Kerr-Barlow opened three vacancies in the tour party with Counties Manukau halfback Pulu the only uncapped player in the squad.
"We can grow the players through their game time and training," said Hansen.
"And finally, without losing sight of the task at hand, it gives us the opportunity to road-test a few things ahead of Rugby World Cup [on some of the same grounds]."
Ben Smith will return to work after being sent away after the Ellis Park test to sharpen his skills and instincts for a final month of rugby.
His return will offer several levels of intrigue.
He moved from right wing into fullback when Dagg was hurt against England and stayed there for four tests until the selectors brought Dagg back at McLean Park in Napier against Argentina.
Dagg stayed at fullback for the rest of the Rugby Championship but even at the weekend in the last Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Brisbane he did not find his flow and muffed several attacking chances in the Suncorp Stadium great escape.
Whatever the reasons, he has not found his best game or connected strongly with his teammates.
Smith's reappearance will spice up the choices because both Cory Jane, until he went off with concussion against Australia last Saturday night, and Charles Piutau were lively on the right wing.
- Wynne Gray of the NZ Herald
