KEY POINTS:
All Black coach Graham Henry has hinted he may rest some players for the opening test of the year against Ireland.
Henry reiterated he would pick the best team but the suggestion is that the loser of tonight's Super 14 semifinal in Christchurch may end up the victor in the All Black selection race.
He did qualify that by pointing out medical assessments, fitness checks and judgments about players' fatigue would have an impact on those chosen for the Irish test in Wellington on June 7.
"If they are not quite up to it or we think they are a bit under par, then they won't play in that game. But I can't really answer it too specifically until we see what happens in Christchurch and then have them in camp.
"But if the Hurricanes ended up having to go to South Africa for a final then that would have a much greater impact on our choices."
While the winner of the Crusaders-Hurricanes knockout meeting will advance to next weekend's final, those who then graduate to the opening All Black squad will have less than a week to switch into a test match mindset.
That is likely to persuade the All Black panel to pick the bulk of their starting XV from the four Super 14 franchises whose tournament campaigns will be decided tonight.
However, even if the Crusaders win tonight, captain Richie McCaw will be exempt from that plan on the evidence of the All Black selectors' previous patterns.
Since McCaw took over as leader at the start of the 2006 season, his workload has been constant and he has been involved in 23 of the 25 All Black internationals.
Win or lose tonight, another crucial link in the All Black chain, Daniel Carter, is also likely to be called on to front up against the Irish at Wellington on June 7.
But where there is little between players in the All Black squad, the one who has had an extra week's recuperation from the Super 14 will have the inside running for the opening test.
Some prospective All Blacks will assemble this week in Auckland to complete some marketing and promotion work while also being introduced to the coaches' plans, strategies and ideas about the international programme.
Then the day after the Super 14 final, the All Black coaches will announce their 26-man squad which will play Ireland, two tests against England and then embark on the Tri-Nations series.
Midfield backs and the backup lock will be the main selection issues. As the pressure has intensified in the past few weeks, Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have spent more time tracking individuals for extended periods during games to judge their potential.
Some anticipation about tonight's duels disappeared when Stephen Brett was benched for the Crusaders but the Ma'a Nonu/Conrad Smith combo will still be watched heavily against the Tim Bateman/Casey Laulala tandem. All are in the mix with Benson Stanley, Isaia Toeava, Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui and the mega-versatile Mils Muliaina.
Settling on a lock to assist a likely All Black pair of Brad Thorn and Ali Williams is just as difficult.
Jason Eaton has been an All Black and played all year without recapturing the spark he had before he wrecked his knee last season. His partner tonight, Jeremy Thrush, has been the big improver but may still be too raw for test rugby.
Other claims will come from Tom Donnolly, Anthony Boric, Hoani MacDonald or the panel could invest in the promise of Isaac Ross or take a punt on another recovering All Black Ross Filipo.
Where they have a surfeit of riches in the loose forwards, the All Black selectors have a multitude of midfield and locking choices without many standout options.
All sorts of tosh is talked about sides playing for teammates or coaches filling out their airport departure cards. That sense of camaraderie will exit but the spur for the Hurricanes and Crusaders is all about lifting their individual contributions, pushing the team cause which will benefit their personal ambitions in the final.
Those on duty tonight in Christchurch have an advantage over challengers from the Blues, Chiefs and Highlanders whose tournaments went no further than round-robin play last weekend.
A rousing match from Eaton or Thrush, or a cracking game from Laulala - these are the occasions which ignite careers or can consign them to oblivion for another year.
