Chris Rattue: The contenders to replace Kieran Read as All Blacks No 8

Ardie Savea (Hurricanes)

Covered well for Read and might have the inside running for now, but almost by default. He's a ball of energy rather than the commanding presence All Black No 8s are known for. His speed off the scrum is a weapon, and he has the test experience.

Akira Ioane (Blues)

Has it all, in theory. But the old All Back regime made it clear where he fails, workrate being the general issue. Ioane is a devastating runner with the perfect size and athleticism for No 8. Has everything to play for – can he find the necessary desperation to convince the selectors?

Sam Cane (Chiefs)

Will play some No 8 for the Chiefs but better known as an openside flanker. Would be more of a stop gap whereas the All Blacks will want to build for the 2023 World Cup. His leadership pedigree is made for No 8, but he lacks lineout height and scrum acceleration.

Luke Jacobson (Chiefs)

There's no doubt about his ability and toughness, but concussion concerns remain after he was pulled out of the World Cup. A jack of all trades with test No 8 potential – it will be fascinating to see how new Chiefs boss Warren Gatland deploys him.

Shannon Frizell (Highlanders)

Showed promising glimpses at the World Cup, and the blindside flanker has a bit of No 8 experience with the Highlanders. A wonderful athlete with skills, but he has yet to convince as a test warrior. Departed All Black coach Steve Hansen never seemed to have total faith in him.

Whetukamokamo Douglas (Crusaders)

Douglas has a chance to stand out in a Crusaders pack hit by the departure of All Black stalwarts. Any forward from the Crusaders system is worth test consideration, such is their production line of quality over the years.

Niko Jones

The St Peters schoolboy superstar from Auckland has initially chosen the sevens route, but his eventual entry into the XV ranks will cause a lot of excitement. Stay tuned.