New head coach Steve Hansen will name his first All Black squad of the year tomorrow. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at who might make the cut - and who might not.
About eight months ago, it would have been the equivalent of dumping Superman.
Like putting Pele in goal, or telling Michael Jordan to come off the bench.
But Piri Weepu, who was the star in many people's eyes at last year's World Cup, could find himself on the outer when the All Blacks are named tomorrow.
Weepu was told three weeks ago to lose some kilograms if he wanted to make the squad, and does appear to have slimmed down somewhat from the Billy Bunter-esque shape he was at the start of the season.
But he is still not resembling a professional athlete, and with the likes of Aaron Smith making a strong case to come into the side, it may be too much of an ask for new coach Steve Hansen to select Weepu.
Weepu is a class halfback and has the skills to be a No 1 starter for the national side.
It may all depend on how many halfbacks Hansen wants in his squad. A man can only be given so many chances and Hansen may think Weepu's time has passed.
New coaches always want to make a statement.
When Laurie Mains came in, he dumped much of the Auckland brigade. John Mitchell arrived and it was "see you later" to the likes of Christian Cullen and Taine Randell.
Hansen, though, is not an entirely new principal. He has been the deputy for eight years and, in his case, it is same cart, different driver.
He will not be throwing out everything, clearing the decks, and starting afresh.
But he does have to bring in some new faces, and those who have been sitting on the edges without totally convincing are probably out of the picture.
We are talking about the likes of Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam and Corey Flynn, while Matt Todd may continue to be on the outside looking in.
The backs are relatively straight-forward, especially after the injuries to Richard Kahui and Cory Jane.
Ben Smith makes a welcome return and should make a start on the wing, while Highlanders team-mate Hosea Gear appears to be finding the right sort of form after a slow start to the season.
Tamati Ellison gets in the midfield ahead of the likes of Canterbury duo Robbie Fruean and Ryan Crotty. Fruean does not do a lot of work off the ball and Crotty has had a tough run with injuries.
The inside backs pick themselves, although Hurricanes rookie Beauden Barrett is unlucky.
In the loose forwards, Sam Cane has probably won the role to back up skipper Richie McCaw. Cane is a classy player but is in that difficult second season.
Brad Shields could also make the cut, although it would be good to see him actually get on the paddock.
Jarrad Hoeata missed out on the training squad and replied with a couple of fine games for the Highlanders.
He may get a call-up, while Blues prop Charlie Faimunia has stood out in a losing side, but injury has curtailed his hopes and Wyatt Crockett should be picked.
The hookers pick themselves, although it is a concern they are both well past 30 and the back-ups are nowhere near the same quality.
All Blacks
Possible squad
Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Hosea Gear, Zac Guildford, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Tamati Ellison, Sonny Bill Williams, Ma'a Nonu, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Andrew Ellis, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Victor Vito, Richie McCaw (captain), Sam Cane, Adam Thomson, Brad Shields, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Ali Williams, Brodie Retallick, Jarrad Hoeata, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.
New caps: Savea, Aaron Smith, Cane, Shields, Romano, Retallick.
Bolter: Hard to see anyone who was not in the 35-man training squad getting a look-in, but Crusaders loose forward George Whitelock has been playing well of late and has always been admired by Hansen.
