Richard Loe: Add this trio into the mix

Benson Stanley. Photo / Getty Images

If it was down to me, I'd have three new All Blacks in the test squad of 22 to face Ireland early next month - Benson Stanley, Sam Whitelock and Colin Slade.

There's been a fair bit of moping and gloom about the injuries and a growing feeling the All Blacks are weakened and vulnerable. I understand that - and share some concerns - but don't think it's as bad as all that.

Still, it's a challenge for Graham Henry and co, perhaps as big as they've faced, as Ireland and England are bringing proper teams this time, with good forwards.

Meanwhile, we are still scratching around for Dan Carter's deputy (and, to a lesser extent, Richie McCaw's) in spite of the fact we have been looking for over two years.

Henry and co have wasted time in this area with their emphasis on Stephen Donald when a lot of us were saying he wasn't up to international level. I don't blame them for backing their judgement but I think it was wrong - and now the cupboard is pretty bare.

You couldn't have Stephen Brett, not yet anyway, as I think he is too risky - which is why I have gone for Slade.

He can cover fullback, which is where he has played for the Crusaders this year. But, don't forget, he is really a first five. He played there for the Crusaders against the Lions this year and scored 21 points, including a massive 55m penalty, and was man of the match. He has a good temperament, a good kicking game and is a safe defender.

Aaron Cruden and Robbie Robinson? Not yet.

Stanley comes in, as he is sound in all skills and will fit in between Carter and Conrad Smith, so he is surrounded by old heads.

Whitelock demands selection at lock. He has been one of the form horses in Super 14 with Brad Thorn and has overcome my initial objection he might be too young and it might be too early.

We have a need to blood younger players now - and quickly - as the World Cup is close and players like Ali Williams may not figure. Whitelock has shown skill, mobility and some guts, enough to get him in, for my money.

Anthony Boric hasn't done anything wrong but hasn't done enough either, in my opinion.

In the front row, Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Owen Franks should start, with Hika Elliott and Ben Franks (whose form covering both sides for the Crusaders has been good) on the bench.

The selectors will likely choose Neemia Tialata but, for me, he's gone. I thought he, Jon Schwalger and Dane Coles against the Waratahs last week were lazy; with a poor workrate.

The loose forwards largely pick themselves, although I believe that, if there is a real bolter, it could be Karl Lowe of the Hurricanes. He was their best player against the Waratahs. Some of the heat for a deputy to McCaw has lessened because the rule changes favour a link player rather than an out-and-out fetcher.

I think they will play Kaino against the Boks and Thomson against the Australians.

Alby Mathewson has been the New Zealand player of the competition and should start. On form, I'd go for Andy Ellis on the bench, although if Slade isn't chosen, there's a case for Piri Weepu on the bench - to cover 9, 10 and goalkicking.

The wings would be Joe Rokocoko and Zac Guildford, with Cory Jane at fullback and Rudi Wulf on the bench, covering wing and centre.

RICHARD LOE'S 22

* Keven Mealamu
* Tony Woodcock
* Owen Franks
* Brad Thorn
* Sam Whitelock
* Jerome Kaino
* Richie McCaw
* Kieran Read
* Alby Mathewson
* Dan Carter
* Benson Stanley
* Conrad Smith
* Joe Rokocoko
* Zac Guildford
* Cory Jane

Bench: Hika Elliott, Ben Franks, Anthony Boric, Adam Thomson; Andy Ellis, Colin Slade, Rudi Wulf.