Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara will be participating in the final and Tawera Kerr-Barlow is not likely to be fit in time.
That will leave Andy Ellis and Brad Weber to man the halfback position.
Wings
The absence of Julian Savea, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane and Waisake Naholo leaves just Israel Dagg and Charles Piutau as wing options, both of whom are still recovering from injuries which ended their Super Rugby campaigns.
With Dagg potentially having to cover fullback, could a spot potentially be available for James Lowe? Or could we see Colin Slade pushed into an emergency role on the wing?
Midfielders
No Malakai Fekitoa, Conrad Smith or Ma'a Nonu leaves Sonny-Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty as the likely starting midfield duo, but leaves a spot on the bench for a potential newcomer to impress. Charlie Ngatai is the obvious candidate.