How All Black selectors went on talent quest after early exit in 2007

All Blacks coach Graham Henry. Photo / Getty Images

The All Black selectors have sifted through a stack of talent since the 2007 World Cup.

A number have not been All Blacks for much time at all, such as John Schwalger, Kevin O'Neill, Bryn Evans, Lelia Masaga, Tamati Ellison, Mike Delany, Benson Stanley, George Whitelock, Jamie Mackintosh, Alby Mathewson and Hika Elliot.

There were some picked for a tour, some named but unable to train because of injury and others called into training camps.

Flanker Scott Waldrom went on the 2008 tour and made his solitary appearance in the six-game trip against Munster. The next year he suffered a back injury.

Some, like Ben Franks at the start of his career, Brendon Leonard and Chris Masoe towards the end of theirs, were announced in squads but got no further because of injury.

Others were asked to attend training sessions as cover but got no further. Those included Paul Williams, who went on to play with distinction for Samoa at this World Cup, and five-eighths Stephen Brett who has taken a contract in Japan.

Taniela Moa was whisked into the 2008 squad and went to South Africa when Andy Ellis was injured and there were doubts about the health of Jimmy Cowan and Piri Weepu.

The top two recovered and Moa slid out of contention although he resurfaced with Tonga in several spritely performances as a halfback and five eighths at this year's Cup.

In the second coaching term for Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith, they have picked 66 players for test duty in 53 internationals.

Midfield back Ma'a Nonu has been the most favoured selection, playing in 46 of those tests.

Injured Mils Muliaina played in 45 but is being chased by dual international Brad Thorn, also on 45 tests.

Tony Woodcock has been loosehead prop in 44 internationals and Jerome Kaino has the same number of loose-forward caps in that period.

Richie McCaw and Daniel Carter have had layoffs through injury with Carter having more surgery this week in Melbourne to repair an adductor tendon in his left groin.

Carter and Conrad Smith have been involved in 41 internationals since 2008 and hooker Keven Mealamu has been in the front row for 40 tests.

66 players 36 forwards 30 backs in 53 tests so far

Backs
Mils Muliaina
Leon Macdonald
Isaia Toeava
Israel Dagg
Anthony Tuitavake
Sitiveni Sivivatu
Rudi Wulf
Cory Jane
Joe Rokocoko
Hosea Gear
Lelia Masaga
Ben Smith
Zac Guildford
Rene Ranger
Conrad Smith
Richard Kahui
Tamati Ellison
Ma'a Nonu
Luke McAlister
Benson Stanley
Sonny Bill Williams
Daniel Carter
Stephen Donald
Mike Delany
Aaron Cruden
Colin Slade
Andy Ellis
Jimmy Cowan
Piri Weepu
Alby Mathewson

Forwards
Rodney So'oialo
Sione Lauaki
Richie McCaw
Adam Thomson
Jerome Kaino
Daniel Braid
Liam Messam
Kieran Read
Tanerau Latimer
George Whitelock
Victor Vito
Ali Williams
Brad Thorn
Anthony Boric
Kevin O'Neill
Ross Filipo
Jason Eaton
Isaac Ross
Bryn Evans
Tom Donnelly
Sam Whitelock
Jarrad Hoeata
John Afoa
Greg Somerville
Neemia Tialata
Tony Woodcock
John Schwalger
Jamie Mackintosh
Ben Franks
Wyatt Crockett
Owen Franks
Andrew Hore
Keven Mealamu
Corey Flynn
Aled de Malmanche
Hika Elliot