All Blacks: Overseas moves risk Cup spots

John Afoa's move to Ulster may harm his World Cup chances. Photo / Getty Images

Commitment to New Zealand rugby has now become a key selection factor for the All Black coaches.

A handful of players who are in contention to make the national squad have already announced they will be heading offshore after the World Cup.

Some of those - such as Mils Muliaina and Brad Thorn - have reached the natural end of their time in New Zealand; having won 94 and 50 caps respectively.

They will head to Japan with the blessing of the All Black coaches.

There are other younger men, however, whose chances of making the All Blacks might have been damaged by their decisions to leave after the tournament.

If it comes down to a 50-50 call between two players and one is committed long term and the other isn't, All Black coach Graham Henry says that will have a bearing on who gets the nod.

"The guys who become great All Blacks have got belief in themselves that they are going to become great All Blacks and want to be part of it," says Henry.

"Then you have other guys who are not so sure and they think 'oh, I might pop over there'. So you think 'have they got the mental hardness to be involved with us?"'

Those who have confirmed they are leaving and who are probably in closely fought selection battles include John Afoa, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Joe Rokocoko.

The latter two probably fit into the same criteria as Thorn and Muliaina as two players who have done their time.

Afoa, on the other hand, is only 27 and has the potential to be a high quality test performer.

He has chosen instead to shift to Ulster and that may have a bearing on whether he wins a propping berth ahead of the likes of Wyatt Crockett and Jamie Mackintosh. McAlister, also 27, has signed to play for Toulouse.

Other players believed to be considering offshore moves who are hoping to make selection include Stephen Donald, who has reportedly agreed terms with Bath and Cory Jane who is still thinking things through but was close to signing with Ulster and then a Japanese club.

Ma'a Nonu and Isaia Toeava are also off contract and have not yet committed to staying.

While the selectors are largely decided on the final make-up of their 30-man Tri Nations squad, Henry says there are still a few areas being debated.

"There is discussion about the third hooker and whether we need a specialist No 7 or you can use Adam Thomson, Liam Messam, Kieran Read. There is discussion about 10 and there is more than one possibility there other than Daniel [Carter].

"There is discussion about the back three because we are going to have too many. Who is going to be unlucky to miss out?"