All Blacks: Doubtful duo may fly north

If fit, Sitiveni Sivivatu remains the preferred choice at left wing. Photo / Getty Images

Andrew Hore and Sitiveni Sivivatu could be named in the All Black squad before they have proven their fitness with their respective provinces.

The 30-man tour party will be named on October 17 but Hore is not expected to play for Taranaki before their October 23 clash with North Harbour. Sivivatu is on track to make his first provincial outing for Waikato on October 22 against Canterbury.

Hore hasn't played since dislocating his shoulder in the Hurricanes' last match on May 14, while Sivivatu's last match was on April 23 against the Cheetahs. He, too, dislocated his shoulder and opted to have surgery to strengthen the joint after problems with it in the last 18 months.

But, despite the fact they have had long lay-offs and are unlikely to have played before the squad naming, All Black coach Graham Henry has enough confidence in both players to take them to Europe.

It is a sign of how highly regarded both are that the selectors are prepared to risk naming them.

Henry would have preferred that Hore and Sivivatu had been able to play this week and next to lessen doubts about their match fitness. But the selectors were clearly reluctant to make the timing of Hore and Sivivatu's playing returns a deal breaker.

Younger, less experienced players would not have been given the same leniency or trust. Hore has been a crucial part of the All Black set-up since 2008 where, until his injury this year, he was the preferred starting hooker ahead of Keven Mealamu. The Hurricanes captain has 47 test caps and at his best is world class.

The selectors are also conscious that Corey Flynn and Aled de Malmanche, used in Hore's absence, don't offer the same accuracy, presence and impact.

Sivivatu is also world class and remains the All Blacks' preferred left wing. While he might appear erratic, even lazy at times, Sivivatu has a deep tactical understanding and is still the best counter-attacker in New Zealand rugby.

He is frighteningly quick and agile and, on the end-of-season tour last year, was combining effortlessly with Mils Muliaina and Cory Jane.

"We can't just throw him at the deep end," says Henry of Hore. "He's a tight forward and we need to be conscious of the fact he hasn't played for some time.

"We need to see how he goes but we are probably going to see him coming off the bench in the first games and then hopefully work towards starting a game.

"It's a bit different with Siti because he plays in a different position and he's a different sort of athlete. Our experience with him is that he can play back at this level pretty quickly."

Isaia Toeava is another who has been on the long-term injury list and could be welcomed back for the tour.

The 24-year-old utility back is hoping to be on the bench for Auckland's clash this week with Counties and then push for a starting place against Otago on October 17.

Like Sivivatu and Hore, Toeava is a player the selectors are keen on. His utility value is extraordinary - he has played tests at wing, fullback and centre and could handle second five as well. He's quick, strong and as he showed before his hip injury flared at the end of Super14, he has a new-found maturity and confidence.

Henry says that he and his fellow selectors have agreement on about 25 players and the remaining decisions are a case of finalising positions where there is ample depth.

By deciding to take only two hookers and two halfbacks the selectors have room to accommodate more players in the congested positions, making their job that little bit easier.

It's expected there will be a 16 forwards/14 backs split with the outside backs probably the toughest to select.

An extended group of players such as Joe Rokocoko, Zac Guildford, Toeava, Hosea Gear, Robbie Fruean, Benson Stanley, Rene Ranger, Jared Payne, Luke McAlister and Ben Smith are all in the frame, but it's likely only one or two of them will be selected.

From seemingly being short of midfield and outside back options earlier his year, New Zealand now has an embarrassment of riches.

The All Blacks have a core group of selection certainties - Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Cory Jane, Mils Muliaina, Israel Dagg and Sivivatu - and it's probable that Sonny Bill Williams is a banker as well.

That's why Henry and his team have not settled yet on their final squad - supply heavily outstrips demand which is both comforting and challenging.