All Blacks: Early test squad naming possible

Coach Graham Henry and his assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have declared they will pick an initial squad of 26 for the test against Ireland. Photo / Getty Images

The All Black panel will accelerate their selection plans for the June internationals if the Crusaders and Hurricanes miss out on the Super 14 playoffs.

The test squad is due to be revealed on May 30, the day after the Super 14 final, which is a fortnight before the All Blacks open their test season against Ireland in New Plymouth.

However that announcement may be brought forward if both New Zealand sides miss the Super 14 semifinals once all the games and calculations are completed this weekend.

If the Crusaders or Hurricanes qualify they will likely fly out to South Africa to meet the Bulls or Stormers who meet in the final round. The Bulls cannot be overtaken as top qualifier and have rested 13 of their top lineup which should allow the Stormers to win and finish second in the ladder.

If one or both New Zealand sides reach the playoffs, the All Black selectors are unlikely to make amendments to their selection schedule.

Coach Graham Henry and his assistants Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have declared they will pick an initial squad of 26 for the test against Ireland then two against Wales in Dunedin and Hamilton.

Last month they suggested there would be at least one new cap in that group which will ensure some serious pruning among the 43 All Blacks they used in 14 tests last year.

A total of 25 of those players, including the injured Jason Eaton, Corey Flynn, unwanted Isaac Ross and offshore bound Tamati Ellison, will be out of commission once the Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders finish their schedules this weekend.

Injuries mean Sitiveni Sivivatu, Lelia Masaga, Mike Delany and Tom Donnolly will not be fit for the All Blacks programme while there is uncertainty about when Mils Muliaina will return.

All Black backs from last season who are searching for some semifinal action are Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Piri Weepu, Andy Ellis, Daniel Carter and Zac Guildford.

Forwards on the cusp of the playoffs are Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Brad Thorn, Wyatt Crockett, Owen Franks, Rodney So'oialo, Bryn Evans, Neemia Tialata and Andrew Hore.

Meanwhile Bryce Lawrence has been appointed to control the Crusaders' final pool game on Friday in Christchurch against the Brumbies while Chris Pollock will referee the next game that night in Sydney when the Waratahs host the Hurricanes.

The Crusaders announce their side today. The Brumbies have made one change, citing backline balance for reintroducing Julian Huxley at fullback and shunting Adam Ashley-Cooper to wing in place of Andrew Smith.

"Julian brings a great deal of experience to the side and has an excellent kicking game which could be of benefit," coach Andy Friend said.

The Waratahs have picked Dan Palmer to replace loosehead prop Benn Robinson who has fractured his arm while injured utility back Sosene Anesi has dropped out of the reserves for their clash with the Hurricanes.

Injured loosie Victor Vito and centre Conrad Smith have trained strongly with the 'Canes to suggest they will return.

* Crusaders halfback Kahn Fotuali'i has been stood down from Friday's game for breaching team recovery protocol after the side's last game in South Africa.