It is a case of picking through the walking wounded then naming the first All Black team of the season. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at who should make the cut tomorrow.
Sitiveni Sivivatu absent. Anthony Boric out of the reckoning. Dan Carter, last seen sitting on a couch somewhere in the depths of France. Doubts over Ali Williams and Brendon Leonard. Luke McAlister sitting in the wings, keen but not allowed to take part.
The All Blacks will have no worries about empty grounds for the opening tests against France and Italy.
The injured and unavailable players could just about fill up any spare seats. The biggest loss to the team is undoubtedly McCaw. His absence last year was badly felt and not only because of his play on the openside flank.
He has developed into a quality captain, and inspires those around him. A replacement for him, as both skipper and player, is not entirely clear.
Last year, Rodney So'oialo filled the No 7 role but the selectors may be reluctant to go down that route, which was not a stunning success.
Scott Waldrom would have been the next in line but he broke three bones in his back last week against the Chiefs and is out of rugby for three months.
The selectors could go for Chiefs openside flanker Tanerau Latimer as McCaw's replacement.
He has shown more steel on defence in recent weeks and has got round the park well. Doubts, though, remain over his handling and ability to go to the next level.
Josh Blackie would be in the frame but has been hampered by a knee problem.
So'oialo was also the skipper last year in McCaw's absence and he would be the logical choice, but Chiefs captain Mils Muliaina has shown maturity in leading the Hamilton-based franchise to the Super 14 final.
It may still be a stretch for the All Blacks to be captained by an outside back.
Tana Umaga did well but can anyone remember Stu Wilson? Better to stick with someone a bit closer to the action.
Muliaina will be one of the outside backs, while Joe Rokocoko, despite an average season so far, should get the nod along with utility Isaia Toeava, who had a strong Super 14.
Winger Lelia Masaga should be included on his hot early season form.
There are doubts over his defence but what winger is rock solid going backwards?Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui are certainties for the midfield, while Piri Weepu should back up Stephen Donald at first five-eighth.
Jimmy Cowan is one halfback. Leonard, if fit, should be the other. Hamstring injuries, though, do not come right overnight. Alby Mathewson is next in line.
Many would think after a fine Super 14 for the Highlanders, Adam Thomson would be a certainty as one of the loose forwards.
He has done all that was asked of him, but test rugby is something different.
The game is a lot tighter and the selectors may see Thomson's game as not physical enough for the higher level.
It would be tough on Thomson if he were to miss out, especially after he outplayed Crusaders loose forward Kieran Read when the sides clashed in the Super 14.
Read will probably make the side, as he is one of those players who tallies up the right statistics.
Jerome Kaino tried hard for a disappointing Blues side and his deeds last year should not be forgotten, while Liam Messam should be rewarded for a fine Super 14.
Brad Thorn is one lock, and doubts remain over whether Williams, with an Achilles heel injury, will make the side.
He only uses the Super 14 as a warm-up so should not need too many games to get into action.
Young Crusaders lock Isaac Ross is in the frame, while Jason Eaton has impressed in the past few games.
Kevin O'Neill and Tom Donnelly would also provide good service.
Crusader Wyatt Crockett has been knocking on the door for a propping berth and this could be his year.
The selectors seem to have faith in Neemia Tialata, who takes a while to get out of first gear in many games.
John Afoa should be there, while Tony Woodcock has come back well from an ear infection which laid him low.
Highlanders prop Jamie Mackintosh, who went off the boil in the last month of the Super 14, may struggle to get into the side.
Hookers Andrew Hore and Keven Mealamu pick themselves and though Aled de Malmanche has played well for the Chiefs, is he any better than the other two?
