Wynne Gray: Panel must be tempted to alter their selections

Coach Graham Henry. Photo / Getty Images

A brave new world is beckoning the All Black panel.

It is tempting them to alter their selections on the cusp of what will be a torturous World Cup programme.

They have persevered with some senior troops because there were few challengers; they have promoted others and must be questioning an extension of that policy.

In the pool games, the selectors need to start the bulk of the side they want for the sudden-death World Cup section. They need to build continuity, understanding, finesse, combinations and confidence.

So who should be in the quarter-final team? Graham Henry and Co reverted to Mils Muliaina as their fullback ahead of the lively Israel Dagg for the Brisbane test with the Wallabies.

Muliaina had been top quality for years and deserved another crack, though Henry acknowledged he was certainly under some heat.

More so now, you would think, after he was swallowed in much of the bitsy work at Suncorp Stadium. Dagg is on the rise, he makes things happen, he has that knack of finding space and is a creative catalyst.

If not at fullback, then slap him on the wing where his buddy Zac Guildford was found out under the high ball and in defence before almost pleading to be replaced.

Even Richard Kahui on the wing looks a stronger choice, a robust defender, strong in the air and with enough pace to deal well with the role.

How the panel must be scratching their heads about their call to leave Hosea Gear and Sitiveni Sivivatu out of the squad.

Dagg could be the John Gallagher of this team, the fullback who zooms into World Cup contention and is screaming out for his shot.

The impact Piri Weepu was able to exert at Eden Park was not as marked, but his forwards gave him little to work from until after the break. Cajoling those men though is one of the jobs both he and Richie McCaw should be doing.

Up front, Adam Thomson was dinged early and that affected his game.

When Victor Vito came on there were strong signs of the energy and crunch he has threatened. But Jerome Kaino remains top quality and is a comforting first choice.

A fortnight ago, the All Blacks were steaming along after wins against Fiji, the Boks and Wallabies. Now the A and B teams have been beaten.

Step up Ted, Shag and Smithy. This is where you earn your corn. This is the start of your campaign to erase the mess from the last World Cup, the time when nations leave their mark.

Tough times. What will it be? Asking more from those tried before? Or a mix of brave and sensible choices?