Legendary All Black Colin Meads believes Andrew Mehrtens should replace injured Daniel Carter for the final test against the Lions at Eden Park.
First five-eighths Carter, hero of the 48-18 second test win over the Lions in Wellington, has been ruled out of the third test in Auckland on Saturdaynight with a shoulder injury.
North Harbour's Nick Evans and Crusaders fullback Leon MacDonald are tipped as likely replacements for Carter, but Meads says a sentimental pick of former Crusader and 70-test veteran Mehrtens should not be ruled out.
Mehrtens, 32, is heading off to English rugby club Harlequins and Meads thought it would be an apt send-off for one of the country's most influential players in the professional rugby era.
"He's been a great player for New Zealand. He's served us well and I don't think he'd let the side down."
Experience was the decider over his second choice, North Harbour's Nick Evans.
"The All Blacks are on a roll at the moment. They want to keep it going, they want to make it a clean sweep and I think they'll go for the doctor."
Former half-back Sid Going was picking Evans.
"He's played well and he's the same type of player as Carter."
He said Evans was a logical choice for selectors looking to create a future All-Black squad.
The selectors also have to replace second five-eighths Aaron Mauger, who has withdrawn with a hamstring strain.
Leon MacDonald Age: 27 Tests: 27 Test points: 105
Nick Evans Age: 24 Tests: 4 Test points: 0
Stephen Donald Age: 21 Tests: 0 Test points: 0
Andrew Mehrtens Age: 32 Tests: 70 Test points: 967
