Talent-spotting for 'dress rehearsal'

Liam Messam

Adding two players to their original 30-strong squad suggests the All Black selectors are looking for an extra lock and loose forward to complete their touring party.

And performances last night at Eden Park and tonight at Waikato Stadium may be enough to settle the choice.

Loose forwards such as Andrew Blowers, Jerome Kaino, Sione Lauaki, Marty Holah and Liam Messam will all be in the frame with the selection discussion about where the squad most needs backup.

There will be equal scrutiny of locks Bradley Mika, Jono Gibbes and Keith Robinson and what they bring to their semifinals.

An injury may be enough to alter the balance of the selection plans while a stunning impact from any could also force a late switch in thinking.

The loose forward discussion will be all about which position needs backup or who best fits the utility tag.

Those decisions will not be revealed until next Sunday at the same venue as the province which hosts this year's Air New Zealand Cup final.

There has been no word from All Black coach Graham Henry about the numerical split of forwards and backs of the squad to play tests against England, two in France then Wales.

The only utterances have been about three halfbacks and three hookers and that, as of last weekend, there were four squad vacancies.

If wing Doug Howlett's knee injury would repair better with a decent rest, then a 14-backs 18 forwards separation would work. Howlett is not on the list of those exempt from the first half of the Super 14 series and it may be prudent to get him sharp again for the start of that series.

That would leave Ma'a Nonu to cover as a fourth wing while he would also get time as a centre with his provincial colleague Conrad Smith.

There would be two or more players to cover each backline position with room to pick Nick Evans as the backup to Daniel Carter while Luke McAlister could deal with both five-eighths roles.

For the past year the All Black panel has been searching for players with that versatility and specialist class for the trip they have labelled a dress-rehearsal for the World Cup.

A group of 18 forwards would come from six loose forwards, five locks, four props and three hookers.

There are still obstacles in the loose forward division. Reuben Thorne is due to see a specialist about his broken thumb next week and Chris Masoe was to test his injured ankle last night.

Five locks may be taken if James Ryan and Keith Robinson stay healthy to assist Chris Jack, Ali Williams and Jason Eaton.

Any mishaps though and the squad configuration could change again.

* The Blues will start their Super 14 season next year on February 2 against the champion Crusaders.