Will Ben Smith survive the cut?
A couple of bad games and everyone appears to have thrown the Ben Smith fan club membership out the window. But he is not going to be left behind. He is not getting any younger but will make the trip. Also, let's calm down about Sevu Reece. He is Park Lane on attack but Old Kent Rd on defence.
The puzzle of Jordie Barrett
There is no denying the skills of Jordie Barrett. But with every good thing there is a blooper or two. That ability to dig a howler out from somewhere is worrying. He will make the cut but will be not seen near the match-day squad in the knockout games.
Five into four doesn't go
It looks as though Ngani Laumape will not make the cut in midfield. Ryan Crotty will get over his latest injury and will join Crusaders team-mate Jack Goodhue. Sonny Bill Williams and Anton Lienert-Brown will also get the nod. It is tough on Laumape but, with the injury record of those selected, he should keep his passport close.
Stay at home Ioane
Josh Ioane is unlikely to get the nod to be the third first five-eighth. It is not because he has played badly but simply because he is going to be squeezed out. So many other backs can play multiple positions and Ioane will not be needed, which is good news for Otago.
The other Ioane
It is as though Rieko Ioane has quickly morphed into a New Zealand Warriors reserve player. Hardly looked like a star All Black in his outing for Auckland over the weekend. Needs to pick up a large dose of confidence on the way to Japan.
In Read we trust
Despite all the doubters over the past two seasons and his rapidly ageing body, Kieran Read has answered his critics in his past two displays.
Less is more
Liam Squire has got better the less he played this season and, with no-one putting their hand up, he is a sure bet.
Jackson absent
Jackson Hemopo has signed to play in Japan next year but is unlikely to get there any sooner. Very unlucky but should be passed over thanks to the shoulder injury of Brodie Rettalick which enabled Patrick Tuipulotu to impress.
Experience against the young bull
The back-up to loosehead prop Joe Moody comes down to Atu Moli or Angus Ta'avao. Hard to split them.
Hard worker
Super Rugby form will be rewarded for Liam Coltman with the third hooking role. Thoroughly deserved after becoming a professional tackle-bag carrier over the past few seasons with the national side.