Editorial: All-NZ final prompts call for more ABs

The All Blacks will call in reinforcements for next week's test against Samoa to cover for the loss of 17 players due to the all-New Zealand Super Rugby final between the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

The absence of 12 Hurricanes and five Highlanders will leave the selectors short in several areas for the historic match in Apia on July 8.

They are especially thin at lock, midfield, wing and fullback.

At least three players are likely to be called in. One could be two-test Crusaders lock Dominic Bird, with Chiefs duo James Lowe, a wing or fullback, and midfielder Charles Ngatai, possibly in the mix.

Neither Lowe nor Ngatai has played a test, but with Charles Piutau and Israel Dagg returning from injuries, Lowe or another outside back could find himself on the reserves bench at least.

Blues midfielder George Moala, already in the squad as injury cover, is likely to be on the bench to cover for the absence of Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Malakai Fekitoa.

If so, it will be Moala's first test, with Sonny Bill Williams and Ryan Crotty likely to start.

Crusaders halfback Andy Ellis is likely to be involved in his first test since the 2011 World Cup final, with Chiefs player Brad Weber providing cover in what will be his debut test. Ellis, who will probably start, finds himself back in the frame with Tawera Kerr-Barlow injured and Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara involved in Saturday's final in Wellington.

Ellis' teammate, prop Nepo Laulala, who has trained in Auckland during the week due to Charlie Faumuina's neck injury, will probably be on the bench.

If Dan Carter starts at No10, Colin Slade is a possibility to play on one wing.

An afternoon kickoff in front of a packed and partisan crowd at Apia Park will be a baptism of fire for many of the younger members of the squad, but the selectors are confident they are well prepared. NZME