All Blacks: Juggling time for Henry

Promising Manawatu first-five Aaron Cruden could be fast tracked into the All Blacks squad. Photo / Getty Images

All Blacks fixtures

How far coach Graham Henry is prepared to experiment holds the most intrigue before he names his All Blacks rugby tour squad on Sunday.

When Henry unveils his reduced squad of 33 players - last year's tour comprised 35 - in Wellington he is expected to stick mainly with the group who finished second to South Africa in the Tri-Nations.

A decent shakedown had loomed after a ponderous start to 2009 and 3-0 whitewash at the hands of the Springboks but the 33-6 thrashing of Australia last month may have been a career-resuscitator for some.

Henry took seven new caps to Asia and Europe last year but in the wake of the Wallabies triumph insisted only "one or two" players at best would force their hand via the Air NZ Cup.

Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford and Manawatu first five-eighth Aaron Cruden are popular nominees for such a promotion but several other key names shone during the Super 14 - a far more fertile selection ground in the eyes of Henry and his selectors.

Henry said the six-game tour starting against Australia in Tokyo on October 31 is the first chance for players to "cement" themselves in the 2011 World Cup frame

However, question marks hang over several familiar names.

Injuries to three experienced All Blacks - winger Sitiveni Sivivatu (groin) and halfback Piri Weepu (ankle) - leaves their places in serious jeopardy, though the news appears brighter for inside back Luke McAlister.

There was encouraging news for McAlister yesterday after scans confirmed the ankle he rolled at North Harbour training on Monday was not as damaged as initially thought.

He should be available for the tour, although he will play no further part in Harbour's Air NZ Cup campaign.

The selectors may also feel compelled to make more extraordinary calls such as their forecast omission of young lock Isaac Ross, who they feel will be better served with time in the gym to bulk up.

Veteran No 8 Rodney So'oialo was given time off for a breather this season and it could yet be that others get the same treatment - with lock Brad Thorn, 34, and fullback Mils Muliaina, 29, possible candidates after playing all 720 test minutes so far this year. Muliaina has already been granted a late start to next year's Super 14.

Credible fullback options include Cory Jane, who has impressed on the All Blacks wing, and stylish Hawke's Bay youngster Israel Dagg.

Guildford may force a wing spot but the likes of Sivivatu, Hosea Gear and Rudi Wulf have done little wrong while Henry has persevered with patchy veteran Joe Rokocoko.

Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu may have midfield company from Wellington allrounder Tamati Ellison, who has gone from fringe contender to near-certainty because of the absence of injured utility Isaia Toeava.

The oft-criticised Stephen Donald should remain as Daniel Carter's backup at first five-eighth.

A punt on Manawatu talent Cruden can't be ruled out while room may well be made for Canterbury utility Colin Slade.

Changes to this year's tight five personnel are unlikely, outside injury returnee Anthony Boric being restored in place of Ross.

Perhaps the biggest battle is for the third hooking berth, with the progress of Hika Elliott having stalled this year.

He will be challenged by injury-plagued Cantabrian Corey Flynn.

In the loose forwards, Waikato's Liam Messam continued to press for a place. He could oust veteran So'oialo, although Henry would have to backtrack on some harsh criticism of Messam when he was dropped in June.

Tanerau Latimer has been virtually unemployed as a backup to captain Richie McCaw on the openside flank and may make way for rising Canterbury skipper George Whitelock.

Five candidates definitely ruled out by injury are Toeava, winger Lelia Masaga, centre Richard Kahui, hooker Keven Mealamu and locks Ali Williams and Bryn Evans.

After the Tokyo venture, New Zealand play four tests in Europe - against Wales in Cardiff (November 7), Italy in Milan (Nov 14), England in London (Nov 21) and France in Marseille (Nov 28) - before finishing against the Barbarians in London on December 5.

Possible All Blacks squad

Backs: Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Joe Rokocoko, Rudi Wulf, Hosea Gear, Tamati Ellison, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Luke McAlister, Daniel Carter, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Brendon Leonard.

Forwards: Kieran Read, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), George Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Jerome Kaino, Jason Eaton, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Owen Franks, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, Wyatt Crockett, Tony Woodcock, Andrew Hore, Aled de Malmanche, Hika Elliott.

- NZPA