The last 8 days have left All Blacks fans in a bit of a quandry - a good one nevertheless as many questions about the potential Rugby World Cup squad might have been answered after the performances on display in Wellington, Apia and even Suva.
We probably have an idea of what the final Rugby World Cup squad will look like - at 31, it will definitely be much abbreviated from the massive 41 plus Brad Weber, George Moala, etc. All Blacks squad. Nevertheless, one's place in the All Blacks is never guaranteed unless you're Richie McCaw or Dan Carter, and the form of several Highlanders and Hurricanes has asked more questions of some of the security of the so-called incumbents.
Questions in the outside backs remain - Ben Smith and Julian Savea are the only two guarantees for the World Cup on form and experience, and Israel Dagg is pretty close to joining them but Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo's form have definitely warranted serious consideration of them for this World Cup campaign. And there's still Charles Piutau even if he is now considered a pariah of New Zealand rugby due to his impending departure to Ulster in his early 20s.
Steve Hansen and co have spent the last few seasons building depth and if their record is anything to go by, there will be some heartbreak stories and surprises to come.
But here's my World Cup squad 2 months out from the tournament - barring injuries of course.
Hookers - Keven Mealamu, Dane Coles, Hika Elliot
Props - Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Owen Franks
Locks - Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Jeremy Thrush, James Broadhurst
Loose Forwards - Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, Kieran Read, Liam Messam, Sam Cane, Victor Vito
Halfbacks - Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Andy Ellis
First Fives - Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett, Colin Slade
Centres - Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Malakai Fekitoa
Outside Backs - Ben Smith, Julian Savea, Waisake Naholo, Israel Dagg
Not enough props.
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