The Chiefs don't have any problem supplying All Black halfbacks - the problem is getting them to stick in the test arena. Danny Lee and Kevin Senio spring to mind from a while ago, and Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Augustine Pulu fit this category in recent times. And then along came Brad Weber, the nippy number nine whose stocks have risen rapidly because he reminds people of the great Aaron Smith. This is a classic come-from-almost-nowhere story. Weber was struggling to even make it as an ITM Cup halfback before Waikato scooped him up from Dunedin.
Akira Ioane (Blues)
A bolter from the Blues? You have to be kidding. But the giant teenager looks like a runaway tower block and he's been the brightest spot in a dire Blues season. There have been some noble tryers in John Kirwan's beleaguered side, like openside Brendon O'Connor. But loosie Ioane, plucked out of the sevens scene, offers best hope for an exhilarating future. Defenders turn to dust and even when he's stopped, Ioane reloads and charges again. He is too raw and runs too upright for a step up to the test forwards now. But how about trying him on the wing Jonah Lomu-like. He might even be a future No. 12, Sonny Bill Williams-like, or a fullback, Israel Folau-like. There's an awful lot to like...and he'll definitely be available for Apia.
James Broadhurst (Hurricanes)
The 27-year-old Broadhurst, a national under-19 and 21 player, had another storming game against the Sharks over the weekend. During the past couple of seasons, the 2m tall lock has revealed a superb offload by any standards, let alone a tight forward. He is flinging himself into the fray and thriving in the new Hurricanes environment. His ball skills might even make him a lock-loosie bench candidate. New Zealand is well served at lock, so long as Brodie Retallick returns to full fitness, but there is something a bit different about Broadhurst which suggests he can be added to the mix. And he's a player who has done the hard yards.
Hika Elliot (Chiefs)
What a stunning comeback this would be. Elliot's attitude didn't exactly wow the All Blacks when he had a brief test fling then he contemplated retirement because of a neck injury. The 29-year-old has stormed into contention in many observers' minds, although how the All Blacks feel is not clear. If his tight game is up to scratch in terms of commitment, Elliott is superb around the field and a good lineout thrower.
Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders)
The 24-year-old Sopoaga has already reached official bolter status, having been mentioned in dispatches by Steve Hansen. He may well get a trip to Apia but whether he goes beyond that this year is another matter. The All Blacks will be rightly reluctant to use an untried player in this pivotal position at the World Cup, so Sopoaga will probably have to wait. Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade is a tough queue to break into. But Sopoaga's form confirms the depth New Zealand has in a highly influential position where many countries struggle to produce much beyond the ordinary.
Andy Ellis (Crusaders)
The 31-year-old refuses to lie on the scrap heap of international selection and he is a famed World Cup specialist, having made the last two in an erratic career. A people's favourite and noted team man. Has a knack for putting energy into a game. His experience might be vital in the Apia cauldron where the All Blacks will need a core of players in key positions who they can rely on.
James Lowe (Chiefs)
This would be a heartwarming story - Lowe had to overcome arthritis as a teenager to become a top rugby player. The pundits have nominated a few outside wing prospects led by Highlanders Waisake Naholo and Patrick Osborne. We'll go for another in Lowe for his speed and dexterity which contribute to greater utility potential.
