The ones to beat
Tamati Ellison
He was not supposed to be sighted until the end of June at the earliest so many had written off his year after a shoulder operation.
But he played on Saturday and, although cramp won in the end, leading to him resembling an 80-year-old grandmother as he shuffled off the park, he still looked the part.
Has twinkling feet, and ability to sum up the game almost always correctly. Brutal defender too and lifts those around him.
Ben Smith
Has to be in the squad somewhere as his form has been top drawer all season.
But if Israel Dagg is pencilled in at fullback - and he will be - then Smith will come into the centre equation.
With what he has shown this year then surely he can not be left out. Quick, agile and elusive, he appears to have everything needed to wear the No 13 jersey for the national side.
Place claims
Rene Ranger
With leadership responsibilities, he looks to have matured significantly from that rather wild man from Northland when last wearing the black jersey in 2010. Has the ability to beat men and spark things from seemingly nothing. Believed to have signed a contract in France, although it may have an out clause.
Tim Nanai-Williams
If he had a dollar for every time he has ran past a defender this season he could pay off the Crown's budget deficit. Elusive and fast, and makes the most of any opportunities that come along. There are still doubts about whether he can take the next step, and if his defensive skills are up to the task at the international level.
Ryan Crotty
The bells have been ringing for this guy for a while now and, although more of a second five-eighth, can play one place further out. Makes few mistakes and ticks all the boxes. But maybe lacks a bit of that extra class needed for the next level. Has no real weapon in his armoury.
Long odds
Tom Taylor
Another one from the Crusaders camp who does little wrong. A bit like his dad, who was an All Black, Taylor never seems to be flustered and just does the job asked of him. But whether he is quick, strong or classy enough for the next level is a big, and so far unanswered, question.
Francis Saili
Won't be driving the team bus but Saili has impressed at the Blues in his first full season at this level. Runs hard and has an eye for a gap.
But one for the future, if at all.
No chance
Andrew Horrell
This guy played centre outside Sonny Bill Williams as the Chiefs charged to the title last year so has talent.
Has a nice eye for a gap and a handy enough defender.
But has been barely sighted this year and a serious ankle sprain may have ended his season.
Robbie Fruean
Ever since All Black coach Steve Hansen said last year the big Canterbury centre does not have the aerobic capacity to be an All Black his game appears to be going in a reverse gear. Still a hard man to stop but if Ma'a Nonu is wearing the black No 12 jersey, hard to see how Fruean would get picked.
