Rugby: Key Crusaders player Robbie Fruean

Robbie Fruean of the Crusaders runs in a try. Photo / Getty Images

It's tempting to slot Matt Todd in here, given he has the unenviable task of filling the great man's boots for the first six weeks at least.

However, there won't be anything quite as compelling as watching the continued development of Robbie Fruean.

It's not as if the All Blacks have a shortage of talent in the midfield, but if Fruean's talent and fitness continue to chart upwards, it could be well near impossible to ignore his obvious charms any longer.

Considered by many as the unluckiest player not to head north in November, 22-year-old Fruean has one last chance to push for a place in the World Cup squad.

His combination with Sonny Bill Williams has the potential to be destructive, as it was during last year's national provincial championship, but for the moment it's on hold as Williams recovers from a stress fracture in his foot.