Richard Loe: Players under the spotlight

In the midfield, we are going to see Malakai Fekitoa (centre) most likely start at No 12 against Argentina. Photo / Brett Phibbs

There's no question the All Blacks are heading in the right direction and are continuing to deliver results.

Now they are at the halfway point of the season with seven tests left, I'd like to see them develop their depth a little bit more. In some positions they are going to have to - and that is no bad thing.

In the midfield, we are going to see Malakai Fekitoa most likely start at No 12 against Argentina and then Ryan Crotty shift there to play South Africa the week after. A few weeks after that, and Sonny Bill Williams will probably be available and the selectors will be delighted to have the opportunity to give them all game time.

The other key position where we need depth is hooker. I watched Rhys Marshall play for Taranaki the other day and felt he's going to have to deliver a bit more if he's going to make the step up. I also don't want to be rude about Keven Mealamu, because I think he's been a fantastic All Black, but the selectors are going to have to ask what they are getting out of him at the moment.

Maybe that same question has to go to Cory Jane, too, who I suspect might be about done at this level. They need to identify who the next wing is. Is it Charles Piutau, Frank Halai or Patrick Osborne?

They need to be clear on that and I'd suggest the end-of-year tour would be an opportunity to try that person.

That same question has to be applied to all of the players they have used or are going to use off the bench in the next tests. I have said it before but it needs to be said again - if they are going to take players off, the ones coming on have to make a contribution. They have to add something to the performance and not enough of them have been doing that.

We know Beauden Barrett makes an impact about 90 per cent of the time.

I also feel Steven Luatua has shown potential to be an impact player. He can play well from the start, too, but it's not a bad skill to have to be able to sit on the bench and then inject some dynamism when you get on.

That's how it has to be and the All Blacks are going to need that as they have to play their last seven tests on the road and with only two weeks off.

When they are in Europe, they are going to have to get their scrummaging in order quickly. I think they are going pretty well, as it happens, but they will encounter different styles and approaches over there.