Richard Loe: Who I back to wear black

Sean Maitland has been in superb form. Photo / Getty Images

As we're approaching the halfway point in Super Rugby pool play, I thought I'd try to pick Richard Loe's World Cup squad at this point.

It's not definitive - there is still plenty of time for people to play themselves in and out of the squad - and is chosen on a mixture of form and the knowledge that certain players have class and just need a bit more rugby to bring it out.

Only 30 can be selected and I think there is less need to pick more than you need in positions like hookers, for example. Not when a replacement is only half an hour away and will still be playing rugby.

So let's start with the front rowers. Keven Mealamu is out on his own at present and my other selection would be Andrew Hore, even though he has been nowhere near his best. He will be, though, after more rugby and I'd take him, even though Corey Flynn and Jason Rutledge are the form hookers.

The props are easy, I believe. Owen and Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock and John Afoa. The Blues and Crusaders scrums have been performing well and they head off the likes of a much-improved Wyatt Crockett and Jamie Mackintosh.

I'd take five locks, as I think this is potentially a problem area for us if injuries intervene. Brad Thorn and Sam Whitelock are certainties, with Anthony Boric third choice at present.

However, provided they play plenty of rugby and come up the scale, I'd also have Ali Williams and Tom Donnelly in the squad, as I think we can make do with five loosies. Specifically, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson and Matt Todd. I don't think Liam Messam, Victor Vito or any of the other candidates are putting up their hands yet and that loose combination can easily cover all three spots.

I'd also make a special case for halfbacks - three of them. That's only because of the big problems we have at first five-eighths. Jimmy Cowan is No1. I'd pick Piri Weepu even though he isn't playing and assuming he comes back from injury well enough - because he can play 10, has a cool head, good tactical appreciation and can kick pressure goals.

The third choice would be Alby Mathewson, who nudges Andy Ellis out because of his running game and what he might add as a substitute.

At 10, behind Dan Carter, I'd probably include Colin Slade but the jury is really out on that one, with Mike Delany also a possibility. Stephen Donald and Luke McAlister? No thanks.

The centres are easy: Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Conrad Smith and Robbie Fruean. Richard Kahui misses out on form and because I believe those two combinations are working very well.

Wingers would be Hosea Gear (although he needs to find a bit of form), Isaia Toeava (great form and can cover fullback and midfield), Cory Jane and my bolter - Sean Maitland. He's been in superb form, gets into try-scoring positions well, runs good lines and is an out-and-out finisher.

Fullback would be Mils Muliaina - which means no spot yet for talent like Israel Dagg, a fine player, and the likes of Zac Guildford, Rene Ranger and co. However, Muliaina has yet to recover from injury and Dagg could yet get in there. He certainly has the talent.

My Cup squad so far
* Hookers: Keven Mealamu, Andrew Hore.
* Props: Owen Franks, Ben Franks, Tony Woodcock, John Afoa.
* Locks: Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock, Anthony Boric, Tom Donnelly, Ali Williams.
* Loose forwards: Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Matt Todd.
* Halfbacks: Jimmy Cowan, Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson.
* First fives: Dan Carter, Colin Slade.
* Midfield: Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Conrad Smith, Robbie Fruean. * Wings: Hosea Gear, Isaia Toeava, Cory Jane, Sean Maitland.
* Fullback: Mils Muliaina.