The production line of New Zealand openside flankers has operated almost non-stop since the All Black jersey was first sewn together.
Names like Gallaher and Seeling - though they were not strictly flankers - in the early years were followed by the likes of Nathan, Mourie, Jones and Kronfeld. New Zealand seemed to always have a quality No 7.
Even a couple of years ago, there was plenty of depth in the position.
Behind McCaw were capable players - well, the All Black selectors thought so - like Marty Holah, Daniel Braid and Chris Masoe.
But now, with those three offshore earning some foreign currency, the cupboard is bare.
A look around the four franchises outside the Crusaders reveals some question marks over players in the No 7 jersey.
Former Highlanders captain Josh Blackie has returned from chasing the Japanese yen and has impressed in some matches for the Blues, while disappearing in others.
At 29, he is not young and if the selectors are building for the next World Cup, he may be seen as too old.
He still has speed and is a good link man, though there are questions about his ability to fetch the ball on the ground.
In Chiefs land, the drums are beating for Tanerau Latimer.
Latimer is still young (22) and he has the advantage of playing for a winning team. He links well and is good on the ground.
But does he do enough? His defence is ordinary at times and he may lack the physical presence for the next level.
It could be argued that since Hurricanes flanker Scott Waldrom is the incumbent, having won a spot on last year's All Black Grand Slam tour, he will get the nod.
Waldrom has blinding pace and if he plays well in the next few weeks, and the Hurricanes win the Super 14, he may have the inside running. But he has had plenty of injuries in his career and there are worries over his hands and passing ability.
Hopefully the idea of turning Rodney So'oialo into an openside flanker has gone the same way as the Holah blindside flank experiment.
Alando Soakai has had a fine year for the Highlanders. He has teamed effectively with Adam Thomson, and been pilfering plenty of ball.
He is effective at the breakdown and can tackle well. But playing for the unfashionable Highlanders will not help his cause and he is probably not spectacular enough. Having had a heavy season already, his body is showing signs of wear and tear.
Thomson is now seen as a blindside flanker by the selectors, although he would not disgrace himself on the other side.
Any thoughts of Crusaders flanker George Whitelock getting a sudden promotion should be hastily squashed, as he is a tad clumsy and has not yet lived up to the hype.
So who should it be? Waldrom probably, though if Blackie can get fit and get on the field, he may be in with a shot.
