Halfway through the Super 15 and it's time to see who is in the frame, who has slipped off the radar and who has bolted into consideration for the black jersey. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at a possible All Black XV.
Fullback
Incumbent Mils Muliaina has been injured and has a sore back, and Israel Dagg has shown his undoubted class.
Isaia Toeava and Ben Smith have been very consistent while Cory Jane has been trying too hard and contributing to a poor Hurricanes outfit.
Wing
Kade Poki may struggle to train with a wonky knee but has looked elusive and dynamic when on the paddock. Hosea Gear has not played much while Rene Ranger is exciting when he gets the ball. Joe Rokocoko is getting slower by the hour and Sitiveni Sivivatu could do with a being a tad trimmer.
Lelia Masaga runs hard but is about as reliable as the Libyan bus service. Zac Guildford is returning to the form of old.
Centre
Conrad Smith may be spending a little too much time moaning to the referee but he is one of the few performing players in the Hurricanes.
Robbie Fruean is a runaway train but there are question marks about his ability when the going gets tough. Richard Kahui has suffered from playing in the wet and for the Chiefs.
Second five-eighth
Sonny Bill Williams has shown the investment looks worthwhile while Ma'a Nonu is out of sorts in the capital. Luke McAlister is playing well but appears to be too far back.
Shaun Treeby has not been bettered.
First five-eighth
Dan Carter first and if Colin Slade can stay upright and do the easy things, er, easily, then the back-up place is there for the taking.
Halfback
Jimmy Cowan still appears ahead of other contenders.
Andy Ellis is getting an armchair ride while Alby Mathewson is quick off the mark but his passing needs work. The wildcard is Piri Weepu, who needs to get away from The Hobbit set (check out that beard) and on to the field.
No 8
Kieran Read is the clear front-runner although Nasi Manu has benefited by time on the paddock and Victor Vito has been plugging away.
Flanker
The drums are beating for Matt Todd but one has to ask: How hard is it to run off Sonny Bill Williams and play behind the Crusaders front five? Ditto for George Whitelock. Adam Thomson has been outstanding for the Highlanders as has Alando Soakai. Scott Waldrom has given his all for the Chiefs while Jerome Kaino has been class when on the paddock.
Locks
Brad Thorn just keeps on keeping on and Sam Whitelock impressed before he got injured. Tom Donnelly has had a disrupted start to the season, as has Ali Williams. Anthony Boric has been consistent.
Props
Jamie Mackintosh is benefiting from captaincy and losing a bit of weight. The Franks brothers are playing and scrummaging well. The two Auckland bookends, Tony Woodcock and John Afoa, are doing the business.
Hooker
Keven Mealamu is continuing on from where he finished last season as is Highlanders rake Jason Rutledge. Andrew Hore is a mirror of the Hurricanes - trying hard but just not happening.
Possible XV
Israel Dagg (Crusaders), Kade Poki (Highlanders), Conrad Smith (Hurricanes), Sonny Bill Williams (Crusaders), Rene Ranger (Blues), Dan Carter (Crusaders), Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders), Kieran Read (Crusaders), Matt Todd (Crusaders), Adam Thomson (Highlanders), Anthony Boric (Blues), Brad Thorn (Crusaders), Owen Franks (Crusaders), Keven Mealamu (Blues), Jamie Mackintosh (Highlanders).
