The first All Blacks team of a brave new era is to be picked. There will be no McCaw, Carter or Mealamu, so the gold cards have disappeared. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a punt on who will be picked in the 32-man squad to be named tomorrow at 10am.
Outside backs
Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Julian Savea pick themselves, although Savea has been, as usual, slow out of the blocks at the start of the season.
Has he been hanging round with Konrad Hurrell?
Israel Dagg has done enough to earn a recall.
He has looked sharp and still has that big boot.
Has an eye for a try.
There are other wingers around who have credentials but none that have really looked ready to go to the next level.
Damian McKenzie has the speed and skills but his time will come later in the year.
And the side has enough utilities already.
Midfield
It all looks relatively predictable.
Charlie Ngatai - provided he is over his concussion issues - will join Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa.
Another player putting his hand up is Seta Tamanivalu, who is a good ball runner but one wonders, is he any different from plenty of others around?
George Moala has been a bit quiet for the Blues and missed a few games.
But he is still a strong runner and knows how to score tries.
There is not much else to pick from after that lot.
Inside backs
Liam Sopoaga has surely done enough to get the call-up.
He has played very well in the matches that matter and his general play is of a high standard.
Beauden Barrett and Aaron Cruden are certainties, as is Aaron Smith.
TJ Perenara regressed somewhat at last year's World Cup but is still in the top three in a field that does not have a lot of depth.
Brad Weber will also get the nod, as he has done enough in a committed Chiefs side.
Loose forwards
Kieran Read and Sam Cane are there, as is Jerome Kaino, although the big Aucklander is looking worn and needs a tune-up.
Victor Vito is heading overseas so why should he be picked?
But he probably will make the squad.
For Ardie Savea to give sevens the flick he must have been given a quiet word from the All Black selectors.
Elliot Dixon is continuing his good form and should get the nod.
He has come on leaps and bounds in the past couple of seasons.
Steven Luatua has worked hard but he hardly oozes excitement.
Jordan Taufua runs hard and stops for no-one, while Luke Whitelock appears to be coming back into the reckoning.
Lock
A cloud hangs over Sam Whitelock, who has a nagging hamstring problem.
But he'll make the squad and then be put in cotton wool.
Brodie Retallick will be there and Luke Romano is also likely to feature.
Patrick Tuipulotu will come back into the side and his skill set is right up there.
The drums are beating for Scott Barrett but that has more to do with his last name.
Is he any better than Tom Franklin or Joe Wheeler?
Prop
Very predictable here after the retirement of Tony Woodcock.
Owen Franks and Charlie Faumuina on one side and Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett on the other.
Someone like Reggie Goodes may get in the mix or Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.
Highlander Daniel Lienert-Brown could be an outsider but he is a Highlanders tight forward.
They do not become All Blacks.
Hooker
Dane Coles, Codie Taylor - who continues a charmed life - and maybe Nathan Harris or James Parsons.
All Blacks
Hepburn's squad
Backs: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Julian Savea, Ryan Crotty, Malakai Fekitoa, Charlie Ngatai, George Moala, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber.
Forwards: Kieran Read (captain), Jerome Kaino, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Elliot Dixon, Steven Luatua, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano, Patrick Tuipulotu, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Reggie Goodes, Dane Coles, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris.
