Midfield focus of Tri-Nations selectors' attention

Ma'a Nonu (left) and Troy Flavell

Their June experimenting at a blessed end, the All Blacks rugby selectors must now unveil their favoured blend for the more challenging Tri-Nations.

The skeleton of next year's World Cup squad will also become more apparent when coach Graham Henry reads out his squad of 30 this morning.

Selection will be for the first three tests - against in-form Australia at Christchurch on July 8, South Africa at Wellington on July 22 and away to the Wallabies at Brisbane on July 29.

The midfield will again provide the most interest as Henry whittles down his 39 players who largely struggled to fire in tests against Ireland and Argentina.

Most other positions are relatively predictable, with none of the players who missed June selection due to injury likely to be deemed ready.

Although several players in the successful Junior All Blacks squad put their hand up, it is difficult to believe Henry will go beyond those already tried this year.

As it has all season, centre provides the most conjecture, with Ma'a Nonu, Casey Laulala and Isaia Toeava having each started a test there and fullback Mils Muliaina still a possible option.

Nonu is likely to be retained because of his experience and utility.

An obvious desire to develop Toeava and his decent showing against Argentina on Sunday could mean Laulala misses out.

However, Laulala may get a reprieve if the selectors decide they can do without a second specialist second five-eighth, Sam Tuitupou, and use Nonu and Luke McAlister as cover there.

The utility value of Troy Flavell is important in the forward mix. He should provide cover as the fourth lock as well as giving the loose forwards depth.

The selectors will probably have only room for one of Marty Holah, Craig Newby or Jerome Kaino as their final loose forward option.

Prop Clarke Dermody and lock Greg Rawlinson made solid debuts against Ireland but both may be squeezed out.

However, winger Scott Hamilton, who made his debut against Argentina yesterday, should be retained as Sitiveni Sivivatu continues to recover from injury.

Possible Tri-Nations squad:

Backs: Leon MacDonald, Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Doug Howlett, Joe Rokocoko, Scott Hamilton, Ma'a Nonu, Isaia Toeava, Aaron Mauger, Sam Tuitupou, Daniel Carter, Luke McAlister, Piri Weepu, Byron Kelleher.

Forwards: Rodney So'oialo, Mose Tuiali'i, Richie McCaw (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins, Jerome Kaino, Troy Flavell, Chris Jack, Ali Williams, Jason Eaton, Carl Hayman, Greg Somerville, Neemia Tialata, Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver, Keven Mealamu.

- NZPA