It's All Black selection time and there's unlikely to be many surprises, even in the 31-man squad which will be a pointer to the end of year tour. However, there are a few surprises in the Richard Loe 23-man game-day team which will differ, as usual, from that chosen by Shag Hansen and Co.
At hooker, I think it's time to farewell Andrew Hore and I'd go with Keven Mealamu and Dane Coles - and it'll be interesting to see how much game time they give Coles. Quite a bit, I'd say.
The props are easy - the Franks brothers, covering tighthead and loosehead, plus Ben Afeaki and Wyatt Crockett at tighthead and loosehead respectively. No Ben Tameifuna as he is clearly not yet an 80-minute footballer. The locks pick themselves after injuries: Brodie Retallick, Luke Romano and Ali Williams could have the shortest retirement known to man.
The loose forwards contain a surprise - I'd go for Tanerau Latimer ahead of Sam Cane. I think he's been playing better than Cane although the All Black camp will give Cane a trot in Richie McCaw's absence. There is an argument for picking Brad Shields too but he'll be in the 31, as will Cane. I'll go with Victor Vito who can cover all three positions and new cap Steven Luatua would complete the loosies - and could cover lock at a pinch.
At halfback, Piri Weepu is No1 (concussion willing, after his head knock last night) and TJ Perenara the understudy. If Weepu is ruled out, Tawera Kerr-Barlow comes in. Aaron Smith's form has been awful and he's been subbed off too much for my liking. He's a good player and will come again.
