Loose forward Victor Vito was given the job in the final minutes against Canada and even he looked good, but the selectors will focus their attentions on Richard Kahui, Zac Guildford, Cory Jane, Israel Dagg and Sonny Bill Williams for the two spots.
Guildford's four tries in a lively performance against the Canadians in Wellington on Sunday will have given the selectors food for thought but the reality is he has probably made his run too late and they will be pinning their hopes on Kahui, Jane and possibly Dagg.
Williams will probably be confined to the reserves bench due to his ability to cover second-five and the potential game-changing impact he can provide but he will be seen as a genuine option at wing following fine performances there as a substitute against Japan and France.
Kahui (hamstring) and Jane (head knock) missed the Canada game but are likely to be cleared for Sunday's quarter-final against Argentina at Eden Park.
"You want competition for spots,'' All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith said today. "It's been a characteristic of this team that as players have been under pressure and they've got an opportunity, they've generally nailed it. It's certainly turned the outside back position into more of a contest, so it's good for us.''
Dagg had been edging Mils Muliaina for the fullback spot, but following Dan Carter's groin injury, the selectors might want the veteran at the back for experience and could shift Dagg to the wing where he started against Canada.
Jane said of Guildford's performance in scoring four tries: "I talked to him during the week and I said I want you to go out there and have a blinder and score lots of tries and make the coaches re-think. It keeps him in there and keeps the guys who haven't played a few games looking over their shoulders. He's had one opportunity and he scored four tries... it's good for the squad too. Everyone's playing well and trying to fight for that spot.''
Jane added of Vito's cameo on the right flank: "It's good having people who can play in different positions. You saw in that game the other day, he played [number] seven and he got chucked on the wing in the game, he didn't even train there. He did all right, he got a try as well.''
And just to prove his point about versatility, Jane said backs coach Smith could be interested in his expertise at first-five.
"You might not know but in the Rimutaka Under-6s to Under-12s I played first-five so I've got a bit of experience there as well.''