All Blacks: Unsettling times for selectors

Victor Vito has joined the proven ability of flankers Jerome Kaino and Adam Thompson. Photo / Getty Images

Another Super rugby series done and dusted for teams either side of the Tasman.

The champion will be crowned on Sunday in Soweto but New Zealand's singular involvement ended a week ago when the travel-weary Crusaders fell to the Bulls, who are seeking their third title.

This time next year we will be working towards the finals of the Super-Dooper 15 with a conclusion set for mid-July. It is a schedule which will tax the patience of the All Black selectors who will be champing to work with the players on the doorstep of the World Cup in New Zealand.

Those problems might now seem modest compared with the escalating strain on All Black resources with the opening test against Ireland in New Plymouth in a fortnight followed by twin tests against Wales.

The selectors are scrabbling for more midfield ideas after unfavourable medical reports were revealed yesterday on Richard Kahui and Mils Muliaina. The Chiefs duo have joined the swag of All Black contenders who are seriously crocked or convalescing as the opening internationals approach.

In midfield it has almost become rugby's blindfold version of pin the tail on some No 12, almost a case of asking Sonny Bill Williams if he can kit up in time for June 12.

The season had started so positively on February 12 when the Blues hosted the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium. The hosts had suffered a hiccup with the repeat injury absence of Ali Williams but there was a warm glow about competition prospects.

For the trainspotters, Willie Ripia scored the first points for a New Zealand team this season and Daniel Carter the last, Stephen Brett the first try and Sam Whitelock the final touchdown at Soweto. Aaron Cruden made his debut for the Hurricanes after 50 minutes and two minutes later was seeing stars after Benson Stanley clobbered him, legitimately.

We are more than three months down the track but, in several positions, no closer to picking a test starter or reserve.

In others there is a surfeit of choice. Take blindside flanker where the growing athletic presence of Victor Vito has joined the proven ability of Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson.

There is congestion at halfback, too, where the panel need to separate Jimmy Cowan, Andy Ellis, Kahn Fotuali'i, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard and Alby Mathewson.

It has been a year of revised laws, former laws reinterpreted at the breakdown and scrum after several seasons of uncertainty. The sport has altered, with most teams choosing to retain possession as their first option rather than kicking it to the bleachers.

With mid-winter conditions and higher stakes approaching in the international arena, that policy is likely to alter again. percentage rugby generally helps winning rugby.

Both Ireland and Wales are murmuring about a first success in New Zealand. The Irish have a strong squad and have built strongly under the coaching of Declan Kidney.

Former All Black halfback Justin Marshall, who is on the cusp of a commentating career as he finishes his lengthy playing life, believes Wales could make history on this trip. They need to start well next weekend against the Boks to set the tone for their visit.

He noted the unsettled look of the All Blacks, their lack of time together, and Wales' recent close calls.

"They've got people that can change a game and are more than capable of beating any of the teams put in front of them. They need to go out there and believe," Marshall said.

Meanwhile, the All Black panel will start earning their hands-on coaching coin next week when they assemble their squad for induction courses, season guidelines and practical sessions before their first assignment against Ireland.

Coach Graham Henry and his crew believe they have settled on a style they want their side to play. The injury toll may have bitten into a few ideas but key players, captain Richie McCaw and five eighths Daniel Carter are fit.

A year ago, the twin forces were absent as the All Blacks battled through results and style dramas in June.

Of the group which started the opening test loss to France at Carisbrook a year ago, Muliaina, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Isaac Ross and Andrew Hore are injured, recovering or out of favour enough to be out of the selection frame for New Plymouth.

Now we wait to see the effects.