Sean Fitzpatrick: Halfback is close but Kelleher may start test

I thought Byron Kelleher did enough to be named as the starting halfback for first All Black test against the Lions.

I saw the Fiji game with Dewi Morris (the England and 1993 Lions halfback) and he raved about Kelleher. He said he was sharp with his pass and good around the ruck and maul and in defence.

Justin Marshall can do those things too and I know the selection of the halfback will still be in the balance even after the squad is named today. We are lucky to have two halfbacks of very similar qualities and strengths. Byron threw a few wobbly ones but worked hard and impressed Dewi, who said he felt Kelleher's pass was a bit better than Marshall's.

For me, the past week has thrown up a couple of interesting elements - the incredible caginess both sides are adopting ahead of the first test and team selections. But players on both sides have also made themselves test certainties.

I found it interesting that Woodward went with John Hayes at prop against Taranaki. Hayes did not do well against Argentina in the scrums in the warm-up game and was substituted against Bay of Plenty. When Hayes was subbed against Taranaki, Gethin Jenkins came on and shored up the scrum.

I might be wrong and it might be too much of a stretch but it was almost as if Woodward is selecting for the provincial games not just with a view to winning the game but also to fox the All Blacks and keep his preferred players under wraps. Otherwise, why select Hayes? Hayes is one of those people I thought we might not see much of on tour after those first two games, other than coming off the bench, perhaps - but there he was, starting against Taranaki.

However, in spite of all this caginess, it is becoming increasingly clear that some Lions test places have already been grabbed. Andy Sheridan played against the Maori last night but I think Woodward will go with Jenkins to partner Steve Thompson and Julian White.

Lock Paul O'Connell is a test certainty and Danny Grewcock, Donncha O'Callaghan, Simon Shaw and Ben Kay are all in the mix for the other locking spot. Josh Lewsey will be fullback, while first five-eighths and centre are obvious with the other positions to be decided.

But, going back to the All Blacks, don't be surprised if Joe Rokocoko is in the 26 named today - he was sent to the sevens to sharpen up and gain confidence. He's a proven performer. For all their pace and promise, Sitiveni Sivivatu, even with a record-breaking debut, and Sosene Anesi may not make it to the start against the Lions. I must say that was the worst performance by Fiji I can remember. Still, Graham Henry would've taken heart from the enthusiasm the All Blacks displayed.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY