Time to take stock of our halfback; By Justin Marshall

Is TJ Perenara the next cab off the rank if Aaron Smith is injured? Photo / Getty Images

The big question for the All Blacks is now that their unbeaten streak has been broken, do they look to experiment against the Wallabies in the third Bledisloe Cup test in Brisbane on Saturday night?

They would have in their next test against the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago, but with the Bledisloe Cup in the bag already and the streak over, they may feel they have a bit more freedom to look at other players, keeping in mind also that they obviously want to win every test.

The injury to Tawera Kerr-Barlow highlights the fact that there hasn't been a lot of development at halfback.

Aaron Smith has simply been dominating that position because he is so good and, second, because he simply doesn't get injured.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, if he were to be injured, who would we pick as next best No9? TJ Perenara?

The problem with trying out new combinations against the US, and, with the greatest respect to them, they are not a team who will ask tough questions.

It's just a fact - Japan were the same last year.

You need to find out about these players in the big games and Australia tend to play very well at Suncorp.

This will be a big test for any player.

Now for the No10 position. I would be very surprised if Aaron Cruden didn't have some involvement in Brisbane. By all accounts his issue has been put to bed. It was obviously a very high-profile mistake and the best remedy is to get him back out there as soon as possible.

It would be harsh on Beauden Barrett, who deserves to stay as the incumbent, but, looking at the bigger picture, maybe they should start Cruden and get that elephant in the room sorted sooner rather than later.

As far as the first-five position overall is concerned, the All Blacks are lucky with the depth they have there, with Colin Slade also in the frame and Dan Carter on the brink of returning.

They have four capable players there, which is great, but the same probably can't be said of halfback at the moment.

The Aussies are down, but they're not out. I still believe that they are a work in progress. They have shown glimpses of their capabilities. But at the moment they are very inconsistent. They are stacked full of talent but tend to go missing and leak points. They are still dangerous, though, and were highly competitive against South Africa for 65 minutes. They were put away at Eden Park but were good in Sydney against the All Blacks. They lost to Argentina.

They need to make some tough decisions at halfback and first-five - Quade Cooper could yet have a part to play.

- NZ Herald

Justin must have almost missed the deadline for this article. Nothing new here. I agree that Hansen should try & get some more game  time for Barrett & TJ. 
For TJ it will depend on the scoreline. Ideally he should get 40  mins but this would mean we have the game under control at half time - not likely but would be nice. At least he should get 20 minutes.

 I am bit a concerned, about our Flyhalves. Barratt has the goods, but well he deliver? Cruden is great too. But DC is our point of difference, but if he is not fully fit by the WC then what? If A Smith goes, down is Peranara who is a bit irratic, this coming from a Canes fan. Or Pulu up for it? Theirs a few key positions, I am worried about. Pollard looks the goods for SA, and should see it through. They seem more settled with Lambie off the bench. I guess for NZ its Cruden starts, and super sub Barratt for now. In the loosies Read And Richie are settled clearly. But Kaino been in and out of form, Messam hasen't been all that great too. I think NZ well beat Aussie, actually quite comfortably though. But although NZ is still the best side in the world, NZ need to finish the year strong undefeated. 

10 Selection could be: Barrett to start with Cruden off the bench. 
Outside backs: Jane with Piutau on the bench. That leaves us weak in terms of inside back coverage as if Barrett gets injured Cruden is not a strong backup for any position except 10. 
Another options is Slade on the bench to cover the entire back line. Problem is this does not give Piutau a run.
Half back will be A. Smith to start with TJ coming on as soon as / if the game is under control.

It is clear doubts and concerns are the order of the day re the kbbs. 
No really able scrummie after Aaron who was himself comprehensively outplayed by Hougaard. Who to play at flyhalf knowing none match up in any case to Pollard. Meesum and Kaino sub par and the truth be told old man mcaaaw being seen through rose tinted specs ala matfiled. Read slowing up and showing the hard stuff is not for him. Whitelock fading as well.
Then we have the old firm of mother Nonu and Conrad over the hill. Then we have the fact that carol jane, wee ben and dagg lack clout. Where to from here is the puzzle.
Best team in the world bwahahahahahahahahahaha. You should also have lost the home test versus the Boks but for a RAW. 
No I think the kbbs are in for a glum time. It's all downhill. Also remember the IRB realise now what happened in the last RWC and will not allow it to happen in the NH.
The future belongs to the Boks