Reconnaissance and reshuffling on the agenda

Chris Latham thinks he's about to make a break but Greg Somerville has other ideas. Chris McGrath / Getty Images

After such a strong start, how much tweaking will the All Black selectors make to their next side as they look to manage their squad through the extended Tri-Nations?

Much of the planning has been about dealing with the final three tests in successive weekends in Auckland then South Africa.

There is also the matter of playing the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday week, then the Wallabies the week after that in Brisbane.

In the interval the All Black selectors will travel to Brisbane to watch the Wallabies host the Springboks on Saturday. The reconnaissance trip will allow the panel to watch their next opponents live and consider the XV they have pencilled in to meet South Africa.

How deep will the All Black changes go, who needs a rest, which players are more suited to playing the Springboks?

Those details will be sorted out this week with the only injury concern after the compelling 32-12 weekend win against the Wallabies being some shoulder damage for loosehead prop Tony Woodcock.

He had an x-ray yesterday which showed no problem but if Woodcock needs time out, his replacement will be either Greg Somerville or Neemia Tialata.

Hooker Keven Mealamu was in remarkable touch on Saturday but he needs to be protected and Anton Oliver would be just the sort of experienced man to start in a scrummaging showdown with South Africa.

Perhaps former All Black skipper Reuben Thorne fits into that same seasoned category for Wellington after his recall to the 30-man squad. Midfielder Sam Tuitupou may also get to use his direct game against a similar Springbok stance.

Mils Muliaina's first test start at centre was encouraging and it would seem sensible to give him as much time as possible to settle into his new role.

He did not get too many chances on attack but was a vital player in organising the backline defence against the bulky Wallaby runners.

Ali Williams might have impressed enough to start the next test after his ankle injury and losing out to Jason Eaton for the start at Christchurch.

Another who should return soon to international action is Doug Howlett and that might free up Joe Rokocoko to play for his club or province where he can rediscover the joy of scoring tries.

Maintaining momentum and keeping players fresh will be more necessary in an expanded Tri-Nations series.

The All Black selectors may feel they have more leeway against South Africa who are struggling with a significant injury list before the start of their Tri-Nations campaign.

Flanker Schalk Burger, lock Bakkies Botha, centre Jean de Villiers and five-eighth Andre Pretorius were all left in the Republic with injuries.

Hooker Danie Coetzee and wing Breyton Paulse are on tour but injured and there have been reports that skipper John Smit, Os du Randt, Bryan Habana and Jacque Fourie are also in doubt.

There has also been some friction between Springbok coach Jake White and his employers about his contract while South Africa last played three weeks ago when they lost 36-26 to France.