By WYNNE GRAY
There was no ambiguity when new All Black coach John Mitchell was questioned about his selection ideas for next month's trip to Ireland, Scotland and Argentina.
Even in his soft voice, the menace was evident: "There will be casualties," he declared.
Mitchell will discuss with the selectors, Wayne Smith, Tony Gilbert and Peter Thorburn, their thoughts about certain players before he makes his choice following the NPC final. One subject will be the captaincy of Anton Oliver.
Mitchell may have met Oliver only a few times during the two years he has been back in New Zealand and he will want to speak to the panel to gauge their views on his leadership.
His options are not widespread if he is concerned about Oliver, and at this stage he does not appear vastly worried.
Tana Umaga has soaked up his leadership responsibilities this year and could be an option.
Provincial skippers Todd Blackadder, Glenn Taylor and Deon Muir are the best of the bunch. However, for all their talents, they may not push hard enough to be automatic choices in a test team.
But if Mitchell has been searching the country as productively as he picked some unknown players in the Chiefs this year, he may have seen someone he believes he can mould into a leader.
Apart from issues such as the captaincy, Mitchell will deliver his own player evaluations. His mark will be on the selections when the 30-man group is revealed.
He has spoken about using specialists, about picking players in their usual positions.
But one Mitchell positional evaluation will not be revealed on this tour because Troy Flavell is recuperating from knee surgery and is not available.
Almost half the 26-strong squad involved this season could be under varying degrees of threat to retain their places for the end-of-season trip.
Test players most at risk may include Ron Cribb, Norm Maxwell, Mark Cooksley, Taine Randell, Tony Brown and Jeff Wilson.
The sudden decision to change All Black coaches will have jolted a few players who may have felt their touring places were secure under the previous regime.
The switch to Mitchell may see an increase in availability or performance from national squad members in the remaining rounds of the NPC.
Backs used this year are probably less at risk than the forwards, where Mitchell's expertise will see ruthless assessments.
Midfielder Mark Ranby did not play much this year after struggling with injury and needs to finish strongly, and the selectors will want to see Byron Kelleher out on the track soon.
Tony Brown faces strong competition from Carlos Spencer, Aaron Mauger and David Holwell, and Jeff Wilson should be judged on the wing, where Jonah Lomu, perhaps Umaga, Doug Howlett, Roger Randle, Bruce Reihana or Mils Muliana, are bringing pressure.
In the pack, Cribb has to pass Mitchell's gaze, Randell is unlikely to be considered an opensider and there will be questions about Marty Holah and Jerry Collins.
Cooksley worked for Mitchell at the Chiefs, but an injury stalled his All Black work and he has not inspired since, and Maxwell's NPC absence is mystifyingly counter-productive.
All Blacks 2001 test schedule/scoreboard
All Blacks/Maori squads for 2001
Axe hovers as Mitchell settles in
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