KEY POINTS:
There were strong indications that young loose forward Victor Vito would be a wildcard selection for the All Blacks tour until he damaged a knee ligament and his touring chances.
However in the best traditions of an energetic game show host there may be a "wait there's more" line to the squad announcement today with the talents of young Canterbury loose forward George Whitelock said to have roused the interest levels of the selectors.
That sort of information suddenly veers more towards truth than rumour on the eve of every All Black squad selection with every confidante certain they have the inside oil. There was real buzz yesterday over Whitelock's likely promotion.
The idea is not infeasible. In fact it will be refreshing if it becomes fact when the 35-strong squad to play the Wallabies in Hong Kong is unveiled. The team will then embark on another Grand Slam project and a match against Munster.
You would expect a bolter, at least one punt for the future, in such a vast touring party, a player for the selectors to evaluate up close.
While Tanerau Latimer and Scott Waldrom have been sniffing the selection exhaust fumes this season as possible backups to skipper Richie McCaw, neither has really provoked great "pick me" pleas.
If either is chosen they will complete a sound job, they will become far better players for being on the trip and could push on to be solid All Blacks.
But the template for picking someone such as Whitelock in an expanded loose forward division was shown earlier this season when the selectors took a punt on Adam Thomson. He has brought a different dimension for the opposition to study and the selectors to consider.
Whitelock is a raw 22-year-old but has the pace and, at 102kg and 1.94m, also has the physique to withstand the rigours of playing in the most demanding openside role. He also has the advantage of learning from the master in the Crusaders.
Captain McCaw has been the All Blacks' prime opensider since he was whisked away on the 2001 end of year trip and installed in the test side. He has played 65 tests since, with spasmodic understudy appearances from Marty Holah, Daniel Braid, Rodney So'oialo and Chris Masoe, but the dangers of attrition rise as his career continues.
Other loose forward understudies who should make the trip are Kieran Read and Liam Messam, one a workhorse the other a playmaker, who have both done enough to be included in an expanded touring group.
Of course injury to any candidates in tonight's Air New Zealand Cup final between Wellington and Canterbury will cause late selection changes to the touring party which leaves on Monday.
There must be doubt about halfback Andy Ellis' ability to tour after he failed a finals fitness test on his knee, while prop John Afoa is also dealing with a knee ligament strain. If the selectors are ruthless about culling injured players it could be good news for some, such as Alby Mathewson, Ben Franks or Wyatt Crockett.
Those who have played for the All Blacks this season but whose continued selection appears most at risk are No 8 Sione Lauaki and wing Rudi Wulf.
Lauaki has produced intermittent form since the Super 14 and must be due for a spell to assess whether he can lift his game again after an All Black test career which began in 2005 and has flickered through 17 internationals.
He has been shown real selection latitude this season and a break to help out with his new family and to embark on a rugged conditioning programme before the Super 14 may reignite his potential.
Wulf has been consistent and a workhorse but may miss out in the selection squeeze on the wing where Joe Rokocoko's pedigree and fitness demand his inclusion.
Hosea Gear has produced undeniable and sustained form so he and his provincial fullback Corey Jane should be new caps in the backs.
They could be joined by Wellington teammate Jeremy Thrush who has made strong progress in his battle with Ross Filipo and Jason Eaton for a touring spot at lock.
* Possible tourists
Backs: Mils Muliaina, Corey Jane, Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Hosea Gear, Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Stephen Donald, Daniel Carter, Alby Mathewson, Piri Weepu, Jimmy Cowan.
Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw, George Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Ali Williams, Brad Thorn, Anthony Boric, Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo, Tony Woodcock, Jamie Mackintosh, John Afoa, Neemia Tialata, John Schwalger, Andrew Hore, Keven Mealamu, Corey Flynn.
