Rugby: Top 10 All Black prospects

Fullback Israel Dagg has become a senior player at the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

Gregor Paul highlights 10 players who have pushed their claims for higher honours in the first half of Super 14.

1. Israel Dagg (Highlanders)
Dagg made a big decision to stay with the Highlanders when the Crusaders were chasing him hard. He stayed because he felt game time with a struggling team was better than not so much game time with a quality team.

He was right and he has obviously decided to make that decision work for him. He has become the senior figure in the Highlanders backline - coming up to first receiver more than usual and injecting himself into the game.

He's also taken on responsibility for the goal-kicking which has been impressive while his counter attacking is as good as the very best fullbacks.

He's playing with confidence and maturity and the selectors will like the fact he's showing strong leadership.

2. Michael Paterson (Hurricanes)
It is no surprise Michael Paterson is playing well. In his few opportunities with the Crusaders, he always held up well - it was just there was a long queue ahead of him.

What is a surprise is how well he is playing. Regular game time has brought him to a new level. It's too easy to be blinded by athletic players like Paterson and see them sidestepping and charging down the wing and think they are world-class.

But he's a lock/loose forward and has to deal with the tight chores and set-piece requirements, which he has done well. The law interpretations suit his mobility and the All Black coaches have never hidden their desire for a versatile loose forward who can genuinely cover lock.

3. Victor Vito (Hurricanes)
The potential of Vito has been obvious from the day he stole the show at the Wellington Sevens in 2007. There were more signs of it against the Sharks when twice he broke free, hit top speed and looked the most awesome sight.

His tackling and positioning continue to improve and he is now dealing with the abrasive, less glamorous side of his job with more impact.

4. Rene Ranger (Blues)
There is an explosive quality to Ranger that marks him as a game-breaker - the kind of player who can make the seemingly impossible happen. He scores tries no one else could and makes breaks that open huge gaps for others.

On his form so far, it's tempting to see him as an All Black. But test football is not so forgiving. The key requirements for wings are kick and catch. At centre, distribution and reading defensive lines are critical.

Ranger isn't at that level yet, but he is an exciting prospect.

5. Josh Bekhuis (Highlanders)
Following the injury to Tom Donnelly, Bekhuis has had to take responsibility for the Highlanders lineout. He has also had to front up at the collision and be an intimidating presence. That's been good for him.

His mobility and skills have never been in doubt. But like Isaac Ross, there is a need for younger locks to appreciate the darker sides of their role and Bekhuis is coming through his apprenticeship well.

6. Stephen Brett (Blues)
Brett is the kind of player who will always have his critics. Even when he's having a big game, he's still prone to making errors.

But don't focus on the negatives. He has played well for the Blues - very well at times - and his tactical understanding has improved, so too his ability to manage the game plan. Where he stands out, though, is in his running. He has shown lethal acceleration and knowledge of where to find holes.

7. Ryan Crotty (Crusaders)
This young man made his presence felt last year and he has stepped up again this year.

He is a great defensive scrambler and covers a lot of ground. He's more comfortable with the ball in his hands now and is learning how to combine with the powerful Robbie Fruean at centre. He makes very few mistakes, tackles with some venom and reads the game exceptionally well.

8. Sam Whitelock (Crusaders)
We can only squirm when it comes to thinking how big the food bills would have been at the Whitelock house. Sam is one of three brothers in the Crusaders squad with fourth sibling, Luke, certain to join in the near future.

Sam might be the pick of the bunch. He's competing for a place at lock against seasoned All Blacks and holding his own. He has the height to dominate kick-offs and the mobility to be in the right place if not quite yet the weight or muscularity to really be effective at the clean-out. He's only 21, though and looks to have a big future.

9. Kahn Fotuali'i (Crusaders)
There is little contention that New Zealand could do with an exciting, unpredictable halfback to emerge from nowhere. Fotuali'i is not quite in the mould but he has offered something different while filling in for Andy Ellis.

He's sharp on the break and more than most Kiwi halfbacks, enjoys running and looking for holes. Probably lacks some technical finesse and tactical nous but his ability to make defences think will have been noted.

10. Culum Retalick (Chiefs)
The big Chiefs lock has been thrust into action in his debut season to cover for the injured Kevin O'Neill.

He's a big unit and travels well with the ball in hand. His engine is good, but he hasn't been helped by a collective malfunctioning of the Chiefs scrum and lineout. He has shown good mobility, good energy and plenty of passion for the contest.