What the All Blacks backline will look like

Lima Sopoaga played one test for the All Blacks last season. Photo / Getty

Early puff of white smoke. The All Black selectors are emerging from their debate with the first test side to play Wales. Wynne Gray predicts what the selectors will be thinking in May.

15) Ben Smith: what's not to like about the world's best fullback.

14) Waisake Naholo: Has made a strong recovery from his leg injury and shown all his old pace, high workrate and defensive solidity under the high ball.

13) Malakai Fekitoa: Dovetails in so well with his Highlanders mates, improving his defensive strikes and distribution and is a lethal dynamo with the ball.

12) Charlie Ngatai: All the numbers reinforce what we are seeing out on the track. A key part in his progress has been his sustained fitness and a prolonged run at second five eighths with SBW on sevens duty.

11) Julian Savea: Showing the benefits of his intensive bootcamp and is back to a vigorous volcanic force down the left flank.

10) Lima Sopoaga: A specialist five eighths who absorbs the pressure of goal-kicking and all the heat that comes with guiding a backline and calling the shots. His partnership with Smith and other Highlanders is another plus.

9) Aaron Smith: That was as difficult as picking buddy Ben at fullback. No brainer choices to bookend the All Black backline.