Rugby: Reinforcements required for All Blacks

The success of New Zealand's Super Rugby sides will have a noticeable impact on the All Blacks' test in Samoa.

With the Hurricanes and Highlanders setting up an all-Kiwi Super Rugby final, 17 players named in the initial All Blacks squad will therefore be unable to take on Samoa in Apia.

12 Hurricanes and five Highlanders were initially named in the 41 man squad, and it will leave a few holes in the All Blacks side which will need to be filled.

13 backs out of the 19 named in the squad - including all three halfbacks - will miss the Samoa test, with some key positions requiring reinforcements.

Halfback

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.