KEY POINTS:
Intrigue around the All Black squad selection, John Schwalger excepted, was in short supply until Steve Hansen mentioned they want to see whether Reuben Thorne really can play lock at test level.
Then Graham Henry started talking about the uncertainties the selectors felt when Troy Flavell's form dropped in the latter part of the season and there was an obvious hint that Sione Lauaki's performances will be of some interest should he recover from knee surgery to play for the Junior All Blacks.
There are plenty of ways to read this but the one that makes most sense is that the selectors want a match-fit, fully firing Lauaki in the squad.
Since late 2004, the All Blacks have built their game plan around explosive ball carriers who can offload in the tackle. They have made it a priority to win the collisions, particularly around ruck and maul, and to intimidate with the aggression of their defensive work.
Lauaki is lethal when he runs. He just doesn't lose any collisions and the thought of letting him loose against tired legs in a tight encounter is one that holds real value.
But, and it is a big but, Lauaki needs to be fit. He's the kind of guy whose conditioning drops at alarming rates. It's a constant battle for him to keep the weight off and stay sharp and his form is dependent on his fitness.
That's why the selectors need to see Lauaki back in action before they can commit to taking him to France.
They also need to know what they would do to balance Lauaki's inclusion, hence the desire to see Thorne play lock.
Flavell is viewed as a lock who could cover blindside; Thorne, a blindside who can cover lock.
With Keith Robinson's workload requiring significant management, there is probably greater need for cover at lock than loose forward.
Thorne barely played during the Super 14 and, having been ordered to recondition, the selectors are duty bound to give him a chance in the coming weeks to stake his claim.
They have seen enough of Flavell to know that he has the physique and raw skills to operate as a lock against world class lineout opponents. They might harbour concerns about his tendency to hit contact too high and his desire to offload under pressure but these flaws are fixable.
There would be a reluctance to start Flavell at blindside but should he have to come off the bench and do a job, the selectors would live with that.
The question they really want answered is whether Thorne can provide a similar portfolio but with a different emphasis. Hansen said they needed to see whether Thorne can win lineout ball at test level and whether he can provide enough grunt and firepower from the boilerhouse. They know he can perform from the side of the scrum.
If Thorne can answer those questions satisfactorily - it's possible he'll start at lock against Canada - and Lauaki can prove his fitness, then the selectors will have the tough choice they are hoping for.
They will, essentially, have to make a straight choice between Thorne and Flavell. Form will be a significant factor in deciding that outcome, as will the contribution both men make off the field.
