The All Blacks selectors are weighing big decisions in the loose forwards, midfield and back three as they go deep into their final week debating the final few spots and balance of their 33-man squad to face France in June.
As is the norm during Steve Hansen's era, the vast majority of this squad picks itself. The coach and fellow selectors Ian Foster and Grant Fox are loyal to the players who have served them so well and also consistent in their approach.
But they also have the greatest talent production line of any nation on this planet and every year see a new wave of contenders emerge.
After using 55 players last year during an injury-ravaged campaign, they have a surfeit of contenders in 2018. They simply cannot select all those men, let alone hand-pick a gem or two from the fresh new wave of talent showcasing their stuff in Super Rugby.
Injuries are again a factor, with skipper Kieran Read absent recovering from his back surgery (Sam Whitelock will deputise as leader), and Dane Coles, Kane Hames, Asafo Aumua and Luke Romano also sidelined for the medium to long term.
But they've also got a fair share returning in the nick of time. Props Joe Moody, Owen Franks and Nepo Laulala, loose forward Liam Squire, halfback TJ Perenara, midfielders Sonny Bill Williams and Jack Goodhue and wing/fullbacks Nehe Milner-Skudder and Jordie Barrett are all either back or close to it.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his selectors have plenty to ponder ahead of the series against France.
Milner-Skudder is a classic example of someone who may have timed his run perfectly. He was no certainty amid the logjam of back-three contenders, but his standout performance Friday against the Blues might just have rubber-stamped his inclusion in the squad to be unveiled next Sunday.
Remember, he has been a quality performer through his 11 tests in 2015 and '17, and only injuries prevented him adding to that tally.
So, what are the selectors pondering this week? It's likely they'll pick their 33 ahead of next weekend's round of Super Rugby, but be prepared to tweak at late notice.
The split is thought to be 18-15 forwards-backs, though it's understood they were still fluent on the balance of some positions entering the final week.
The inclination was to carry three hookers, halfbacks and No 10s and fast-forward the development process in these important positions. But they could run with just two No 9s or No 2s, and use that extra spot elsewhere, such as midfield or in the loose.
Remember, replacements can be whistled up at short notice during home series.
Third hooker is an interesting call, if they carry one, with Highlander Liam Coltman and burly Crusader Andrew Makalio potentially the top contenders. Canes rake Ricky Riccitelli also has form.
The props select themselves, as do three of the locks. They are likely weighing whether to include a fourth second-row specialist (Patrick Tuipulotu) or use Vaea Fififta to cover the spot and go with an extra loose forward.
The loose contingent is intriguing. Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Liam Squire and Fifita are the certainties. Matt Todd should get in, though his contract situation is understood to be a potential stumbling block.
But who plays 8? Squire is one option, as is Savea. Akira Ioane shapes as a project selection, though there could be a reluctance to pitch him into a test against France. His performance on Friday, when he was outplayed by the Canes' Gareth Evans, would not have assuaged those doubts.
Jordan Taufua and Luke Whitelock are the other prime candidates. Taufua has been outstanding for the Crusaders and Whitelock presents as a reliable stop-gap if that's the way they want to go.
There is also significant interest in young Highlanders blindside Shannon Frizell, though he may have to bide his time if it's decided Ioane is their "project" for this series.
In the backs, third halfback (if they have one) and the midfield and back-three squeeze shape as the main puzzles.
Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is the likely third 9 if they decide to start the education process, while they will ponder whether to select all five standout midfielders. Leaving one out of Ngani Laumape, Anton Lienert-Brown and Jack Goodue would be cruel.
The back three is overrun with contenders. But with four surefire picks (Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett, Rieko Ioane and Waisake Naholo) and Milner-Skudder likely doing enough Friday to add his name, the decision will be whether they can squeeze in one more.
Ben Lam, Julian Savea, Solomon Alaimalo, Manasa Mataele and George Bridge could be battling for one spot. Maybe none. That's how tough this selection process is.
Possible 33-man All Blacks squad:
Forwards: Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Liam Coltman, Joe Moody, Tim Perry, Owen Franks, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Sam Whitelock (capt), Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu or Jodan Taufua, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Matt Todd, Liam Squire, Vaea Fifita, Akira Ioane.
Backs: Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ngani Laumape, Jack Goodue, Rieko Ioane, Waisake Naholo, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett.
- Sunday Star Times
