All Blacks: Young talent ready to step up

Sam Whitelock. Photo / Getty Images

Since Graham Henry's elevation to All Black coach, he has promoted 36 new faces at this stage of the season.

Law changes, injuries and the need to scrutinise World Cup aspirants suggests Henry will continue that trend tomorrow when he unveils his initial squad to play Ireland then two tests against Wales.

When Henry names his latest crop there could be five new All Blacks or perhaps just two.

Initial intelligence suggested a 14 forwards/12 backs split but the rising injury toll and the panel's liking for backup players suggests a group numbering closer to 30.

The forwards may be easier to predict. Backup hooker may become a medical decision between the recovering Corey Flynn and Aled de Malmanche, while there could be some debate about the fourth prop.

But there must be room for the bruisingly talented Victor Vito, a loose forward whose accuracy has sharpened this season and who will complement the blindside talents of Jerome Kaino and Adam Thomson while being a backup No 8.

Veteran lock Brad Thorn should have his fledgling sidekick Sam Whitelock alongside him.

The pair have gelled strongly this season and Whitelock has shown the athleticism of his tyro predecessor Isaac Ross and added extra set-piece clout and some serious snarl.

Halfback and midfield are the greatest backline posers.

The All Black panel have been wedded to Jimmy Cowan for some time and are unlikely to ditch a halfback who has rebuilt his career after some behavioural issues. He is solid, tough and has a consistent form graph.

His deputy is a tough choice. Alby Mathewson, Brendon Leonard, Piri Weepu and Andy Ellis have been tried before and Mathewson has had a strong season but none has the constructive zing Kahn Fotuali'i has delivered to the Crusaders.

His work has been as sharp as it has been refreshing and although he has had a few Cowan-type issues, Fotuali'i offers a tasty alternative.

Midfield is a minefield and getting worse. Richard Kahui's injury report suggests he may be fit towards the end of the series, so could be carried as insurance for those matches instead of being siphoned off to the Maori squad.

In an extended group someone such as Stephen Donald could be added as backup while Ma'a Nonu and Kahui recover and Luke McAlister gets back into work with the Maori side.

Benson Stanley has been the most consistent midfielder this season and, in the absence of others through form or injury, the panel probably feel his talents should be judged at test level.

Colin Slade covers the utility roles. He has played throughout the backline except halfback and centre, is also a goalkicker and nearly made it in last season.

Settling on a third wing and judging Muliaina's fitness will have some impact. Joe Rokocoko looked to be favouring a knee problem but he had a strong season.

Whether the selectors think his catch and kick skills have improved enough for night rugby in the middle of winter will determine his selection ahead of Ben Smith, while if Muliaina is near fit he can back up Cory Jane to leave Israel Dagg for the Maori selection.

Henry has spoken about the multiple ideas he, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have considered in recent weeks as injury has bitten deeper into their choices.

Recent test players Andrew Hore, Ali Williams, Jason Eaton, Tom Donnelly, Mike Delany, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga are injured, Tamati Ellison and Anthony Tuitavake are unavailable and Rodney So'oialo and Isaac Ross appear to have lost their sting.

LIKELY SQUAD
*new All Blacks

BACKS
Cory Jane
Mils Muliaina
Zac Guildford
Rudi Wulf
Joe Rokocoko
Conrad Smith
Richard Kahui
Benson Stanley*
Colin Slade*
Daniel Carter
Jimmy Cowan
Kahn Fotuali'i*

FORWARDS
Kieran Read
Richie McCaw
Jerome Kaino
Adam Thompson
Victor Vito*
Brad Thorn
Sam Whitelock*
Anthony Boric
Owen Franks
Neemia Tialata
Tony Woodcock
Ben Franks
Keven Mealamu
Corey Flynn