Wynne Gray has called for Flavell, Leonard and Mauger to start against the Wallabies, while retaining Robinson and Toeava. Do you agree?
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The admission came only last week from assistant coach Wayne Smith in a philosophical conversation about the All Blacks' direction, the merits of rotation and the flaws of frustrated anxiety using the same system.
We don't know, said Smith, who our best players are. He meant it as
a commendation for the side's R and R policies, a bouquet for the depth in player resources. It also showed a blemish in the system, the inability to stick a stake in the turf and announce the top side.
Why have the All Black selectors been unable or unwilling to do that? They argue they choose their best team for every test. It is a semantic sophistry.
Having created the Cotton Wool Club for the Super 14 and then cuddled the squad through six tests this season, how about they pick their best side for Eden Park and the Bledisloe Cup decider. Not the one that needs a run - because most are rusty, as Keven Mealamu conceded yesterday - but the players who have brought the best form throughout the truncated international programme.
All of the squad except the injury ring-ins will be chosen in the World Cup squad on Sunday - you suspect those fit, conditioned men would find some sort of employment grievance claim if they were overlooked for the tournament after being denied so much playing time this season.
The biggest debate will be about prop Greg Somerville's ability to reach an adequate physical peak to join the group after his Achilles tendon problems and lock Ali Williams as he recovers from a broken jaw.
But as a departure gift to New Zealand, within the injury restrictions, wouldn't it be refreshing to hear coach Graham Henry announce Saturday's team would also be a side he would pick for sudden-death World Cup contests? Let's start up front.
Hooker Mealamu and blindsider Jerry Collins are the best ball-carriers in the pack and the All Blacks need to cart the ball up on the inside channels against the Wallabies, a tactic they ignored at Christchurch and were punished for by a drifting Springbok defence.
Troy Flavell has the athletic sting to run at the heart of the Wallabies, too, and with Keith Robinson will bring the necessary abrasion to shift bodies and the aerial ability to make a tasty locking combination.
Every time Brendon Leonard has been subbed on, he has made an impact. The selectors believe his best role is off the bench but the length and speed of his sweeping passes, his sniping runs and keen kicking game, suggest someone to start the Auckland test.
Although Aaron Mauger had an average test at the McG and does not have the attacking edge Luke McAlister brings, his guidance gives Daniel Carter more time. His rugby brain seems to be a shade more calculating and perceptive.
Other choices? Centre is the biggie as Isaia Toeava gives repeat Curate's Egg displays. He has great speed and the power to break tackles and defend stoically while his decisions can be fitful. Conrad Smith has not had enough rugby to be ready.
Mils Muliaina could also do the job if the selectors were bold enough to use Nick Evans at fullback. But having given Toeava a decent shot at the position, he should be picked again and compared with Stirling Mortlock's production. The leg injuries to Leon MacDonald and Sitiveni Sivivatu will complicate issues; the wing may be fit enough while the fullback is still recuperating from his groin muscle strain.
Sentiment did not figure on Saturday when Mauger was ignored for what would have been his last homeground test. How many of the All Black exodus - Mauger, McAlister, Byron Kelleher, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver and Rico Gear - will figure at Eden Park?
Henry was more intent on the final domestic challenge before his side leaves for the World Cup.
"It's great for rugby and good for the All Blacks and I'm sure good for the Aussies," he said. "It's the Tri-Nations and the Bledisloe Cup, you can't get bigger than that apart from once every four years. It's a colossal game next week and I think both teams will benefit from that."
* Chris Latham played an entire club game yesterday but it appears he will not be risked at Eden Park and the Wallabies will choose the same side that beat the Springboks.
