The All Black search for a lock who can double as blindside flanker will start with Jason Eaton on next month's tour to Europe.
It is a missing part of the World Cup jigsaw which has bugged the selectors for some time as they look for a remedy for some
of the side's lineout woes. That quest and the recovery from injury of Keith Robinson and James Ryan, explains the decision to take five locks for the truncated visit to England, France and Wales.
When Graham Henry began his All Black coaching tenure, his choices for international locks were so limited he had to call Norm Maxwell out of near-retirement.
But with the return of Robinson and Ryan, the All Black resources are well stocked.
"Our mix for the World Cup will probably be three locks and another who can play lock/six," Henry said yesterday, "so this is now one of the most competitive selection areas in the group.
"One of the objectives of this tour is to test Jason Eaton or James Ryan in those roles. They are both young and two of the current group who could do that job.
"It is an area we have discussed at length. We know it is a situation we need to nail and we will try and do our best with it."
Henry revealed that Jono Gibbes' versatile qualities had been discussed at length for this tour, Reuben Thorne could cover at a pinch while the injured Troy Flavell was another whose skills fitted the dual roles.
The expanded 32-strong selection was both a conservative and contradictory result from the selectors.
Halfback Andrew Ellis was the solitary new cap while there were returns for Ryan, Robinson, Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith.
Wing Doug Howlett was not considered because of his knee ligament injury which allowed the selectors to make do with 14 backs as Nonu covered centre and wing.
Prop Neemia Tialata and fullback Leon MacDonald have been chosen with the forecast that they will recover from their leg injuries for the second test on tour. However, that prognosis will be assessed further this week.
But the uncertainty about Tialata meant more cover was needed and that brought Clarke Dermody into the group at the expense of another loose forward. The selectors wanted to discover more about Ellis on tour but could not offer the same incentive for others.
Both Liam Messam and Richard Kahui had been form players in the Air New Zealand Cup but needed to repeat that form in the Super 14 to warrant a call-up.
There was no place either for Isaia Toeava who was plucked from rare appearances in last year's NPC to make the Grand Slam tour.
That investment was continued this year but has been terminated for this trip. Several reasons were offered for that selection tangle. Toeava would benefit from time to think about his game while Smith and Nonu were available again after injury.
A decision to exempt 21 of this touring group from the start of next year's Super 14 meant they had to be employed for this trip.
That then compressed the remainder of the selection choices.
Meanwhile Henry's answers about team selections suggested he will pick two vastly different sides for the opening two tests against England then France.
The reduced recovery time between the matches offered little alternative.
"It is all about how we juggle our picks," he said "but we want to get to our top XV on this tour."
ALL BLACKS SQUAD
Backs
Dan Carter Canterbury
Andy Ellis Canterbury
Nick Evans Otago
Rico Gear Tasman
Byron Kelleher Waikato
Luke McAlister North Harbour
Leon MacDonald Canterbury
Aaron Mauger Canterbury
Mils Muliaina Waikato
Ma'a Nonu Wellington
Joe Rokocoko Auckland
Sitiveni Sivivatu Waikato
Conrad Smith Wellington
Piri Weepu Wellington
Forwards
John Afoa Auckland
Jerry Collins Wellington
Clarke Dermody Southland
Jason Eaton Taranaki
Carl Hayman Otago
Andrew Hore Taranaki
Chris Jack Tasman
Richie McCaw Canterbury, capt
Chris Masoe Wellington
Keven Mealamu Auckland
Anton Oliver Otago
Keith Robinson Waikato
James Ryan Otago
Rodney So'oialo Wellington
Reuben Thorne Canterbury
Neemia Tialata Wellington
Ali Williams Auckland
Tony Woodcock North Harbour
Jason Eaton has potential as a lock who can double as a blindside flanker. Jeff Brass / Getty Images
The All Black search for a lock who can double as blindside flanker will start with Jason Eaton on next month's tour to Europe.
It is a missing part of the World Cup jigsaw which has bugged the selectors for some time as they look for a remedy for some
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