The Super 14 has reached the halfway point and it appears the usual suspects are in contention. But who are the form players to make the All Black side? Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at the candidates.
Think back to late last month.
Every New Zealand Super 14 side had won a game over one weekend, and the state of New Zealand rugby looked rosy.
The wheels have not exactly fallen off the New Zealand rugby machine but it is in need of some maintenance after a less than sparkling past couple of weeks.
There are plenty of players who have impressed to put together a decent All Black side.
Some pick themselves, while others have shown genuine form which, if it continues, cannot be ignored.
• Fullback
Mils Muliaina took the first three weeks off and returned, only for the Chiefs to then lose every game. He better not transfer that luck to the All Black stage. But his class and touch are still there.
Cory Jane has looked polished in everything he has done - apart from when he was knocked out - while Highlanders fullback Israel Dagg has shown some good form but he needs to bring more consistency to his game.
Colin Slade is playing out of position and Isaia Toeava had been bothered by injury.
• Wing
Those poor Crusaders. They have the two best players in the world, and then they get Zac Guildford, the form young winger in New Zealand rugby over the past couple of years.
Guildford has shown he has lost none of his skills transferring south. Rene Ranger has been the most dangerous back in Super 14 rugby and a place must be found for him.
Joe Rokocoko is trying hard but has not quite convinced, while Ben Smith just needs the ball more often. Sitiveni Sivivatu is having his typical Super 14 - a couple of good games and plenty of injuries. Rudi Wulf has looked strong.
• Centre
Among the rubble that is fast becoming the Hurricanes season, centre Conrad Smith has been one shining light. His defence has always been solid and he is making huge gains in attack.
Richard Kahui is slowly coming back into form, while one must wonder why Wellington ever showed Robbie Fruean the exit door. Second five-eighth This cupboard is looking somewhat bare.
Ma'a Nonu has been struggling and is taking a while to get into his work. Benson Stanley is steady, as is Callum Bruce while Michael Hobbs started like a house on fire but has slowed somewhat.
The drums are beating for Ryan Crotty but one wonders how he would go in any team other than that coloured red and black. Maybe moving Fruean one in would not go amiss.
• First five-eighth
Dan Carter first, everyone else a distant second. Stephen Donald is too hot and cold, Willie Ripia too steady and dull, Stephen Brett too inconsistent, and Aaron Cruden and Robbie Robinson too raw.
Halfback Kahn Fotuali'i has always looked sharp no matter whom he has played for and behind a tough Crusaders pack has been the best of a fairly close group. Jimmy Cowan has looked his usual combative self while Andy Ellis has been hampered by injuries.
Brendon Leonard is not quite there and Piri Weepu has had to watch from the bench over the past couple of weeks.
• No 8
Thomas Waldrom is probably the classic example of what is right and what is wrong with New Zealand rugby. Always a star for whatever team he plays, his wide-ranging game is something to admire. But that game he is allowed to get away with in Super 14 would never cut it at the higher test level. That is why he has never been talked about in higher circles.
Kieran Read is the best option at the back though he has hardly played there. As for the others, Sione Lauaki has presented his usual drama, Liam Messam is not playing in his rightful position and Rodney So'oialo's days look over.
• Flanker
Richie McCaw may not have started in the No 7 jersey yet but he is the best candidate for the job. George Whitelock is keeping him out and his love affair with coaches seems to show no sign of abating.
Tanerau Latimer is steady for the Chiefs but the question is whether he can get any better, while Serge Lilo is too slow. On the blindside it appears to be a straight shoot-out between Adam Thomson and Jerome Kaino. Victor Vito has looked good at times but probably needs another year or two.
• Lock
Injuries have thinned the ranks. Brad Thorn, Isaac Ross and Anthony Boric are the three leading candidates. Josh Bekhuis has looked very good for the Highlanders and must be the next cab off the rank. Jeremy Thrush continues to slide off the radar and Bryn Evans is not getting much game time.
• Prop
Now that the flirtation with Carl Hayman is over, Owen Franks looks to have pushed himself into contention. Brother Ben appears to be over the injury problems of last year.
One could never accuse Neemia Tialata of exploding out of the blocks but he has been steady enough.
Tony Woodcock could be lumped in the same category. Jamie Mackintosh needs to be more dominant but no scrum has been thoroughly beaten.
• Hooker
Andrew Hore followed by Keven Mealamu and everyone else well back.
POSSIBLE ALL BLACK XV
- Based on Super 14 form
> Mils Muliaina, Rene Ranger, Conrad Smith, Robbie Fruean, Zac Guildford, Dan Carter, Kahn Fotuali'i, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Adam Thomson, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Neemia Tialata, Josh Bekhuis, Jerome Kaino, Jimmy Cowan, Richard Kahui, Israel Dagg.
