All Blacks: Backline talent catching Hansen's eye

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen. Photo / Mark Mitchell

New All Black coach Steve Hansen is enthused by the rising halfback and five-eighths talent on show in Super rugby and encouraged by the depth at lock too.

While he mentioned the backline glow, Hansen noted how the newer locks were being hunted by seasoned men aspiring to break through into test level.

All Black captain Richie McCaw had recovered from repeat foot surgery but was not yet ready to play although Daniel Carter was getting much closer.

While the All Blacks would miss the presence of injured blindside flanker Jerome Kaino this season, McCaw was not being considered in a switch of roles.

"He is best at No 7 and I want him to focus on that role. People do best when they specialise and are allowed to grow into their game and I can't see Richie playing anywhere else except maybe as cover," Hansen said.

Adam Thomson had shown what an asset he was on the blindside, Victor Vito was showing good form and other youngsters were shining too.

Hansen and selectors Ian Foster and Grant Fox will sift the fourth round of Super rugby this weekend as they note trends in the game, here and in the Northern Hemisphere.

"We are looking at lots of coverage and seeing some trends and wonder if or how far they will continue this season," Hansen said.

"So far we have seen players get over the advantage line for some success.

"We have seen Sonny Bill Williams do that from set piece and the Highlanders have been similarly productive with Phil Burleigh."

The All Black coach had heard the chat about All Blacks failing to fire so far but did not expect them to be at the top of their game.

"Halfway through the competition would be good, they are big players, they will come right," Hansen forecast.

He did not detail the newer backs and mix of locks who had caught the attention of the new panel.

However that list would include Aaron Smith, Tawera Kerr-Barlow at halfback, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga and Gareth Anscombe at five-eighths and Brodie Retallick, Craig Clarke, Jason Eaton, James Broadhurst, Josh Bekhuis and Nick Crosswell in the second row.

"There are trends we are watching on television and seeing on our computers," said Hansen.

"There are one or two younger guys who are saying 'look at me.'

"Now the trick is to see if they can maintain their consistency."

Hansen said the intensity of the Highlanders' game with the Waratahs was a yardstick. That match had been "ferocious" and players who showed they could cope with that pressure were ones to follow.

The All Black panel will announce in mid-May their initial squad to prepare for a three-test series against Ireland in June.

"This is a busy time for us doing lots of the preparatory work and getting our thoughts together on the gameplan and style that is right for the All Blacks," Hansen added.

"Our basic formula is to get the set piece right, make sure the attack is straight and square and gets over the gainline where we can recycle quality ball properly.

"Then we work on the kicking strategies and strike areas where we plan ideas depending on the style and defence of our opponents. It's working out where to attack the space."