Richard Loe: Celtic passion is a definite warning sign

The Six Nations is decided this weekend and I think - even before Ireland play Wales - there are two areas that will worry All Black selectors with the Lions in mind. One is lineouts, the other is passion.

The two Celtic nations have been the form horses in this year's competition, although France played Ireland off the park last week. But it has been noticeable that the British sides' lineouts are better than anything we've seen in New Zealand during Super 12.

They have tall, well-drilled lineouts and the throwing is generally good, if you except England. They base a lot of play around the lineouts and I think the All Black selectors will be worried about it - although they won't be panicking.

If you look at the Super 12, we haven't really been hitting our straps in the lineouts. We haven't been hitting our locks either.

Corey Flynn is one of our better hookers but he hasn't been finding Chris Jack - our best lineout man - all that well. There have been problems in other teams as well - Keven Mealamu isn't doing any better with Ali Williams - and I think the best thing that can be said about our Super 12 lineout play is that the All Blacks will have to tighten up a lot.

We'll need to contain them there, it'll be one of the Lions' key weapons.

But perhaps the other thing that will interest the All Black coaches is that the Six Nations' sides are playing with real passion and finishing off their matches. In past years, it has been common to see widespread substitutions because players are tired.

The Welsh and the Irish, in particular, have been playing with such passion that they are carrying through their efforts right until the final whistle. Previously, they'd go well for 60-70 minutes, then lose it at the end - not any more.

The Welsh closed the game off against the English and did it very well. The Irish did the same thing. That passion, improved fitness and execution will be a danger for the All Blacks.

I'm less worried about scrums. I think the Super 12 scrummaging is going OK and our refs have to get their heads round things. When a scrum goes down, let it go and get the ball out. It's uncomfortable when that happens and those guys aren't doing it deliberately - so let's not get into endless resetting and just let the game go.

Traditionally, we've also had the edge over the Lions in the loose. That will be the case this year with Richie McCaw - but what happens if he's injured? There's daylight between him and the next contender.

Most New Zealanders would also say that we'll have the Lions in the backs - but our back play in the Super 12 hasn't impressed so far, outside of the Crusaders and a flash of form or two from the Hurricanes.

We're all looking for the three at the back - Rokocoko, Howlett and Muliaina - to show us what they can do but the Blues' back line has had no rhythm and they are suffering.

However, I think that'll come right. I mean, put those three on the end of the Crusaders' back line right now and watch them go!

- HERALD ON SUNDAY