Fierce debate has raged around New Zealand this week on the merits of All Black Rugby World Cup hopefuls — but spare a thought for their families.
The cellphones of more than 40 contenders will be fully charged this morning, awaiting calls confirming a World Cup call-up, or delivering dreaded news.
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The All Black selection team of head coach Steve Hansen, his assistant Ian Foster and co-selector Grant Fox will make the calls. Squad members will be sworn to secrecy until the official team naming at the Beehive shortly after 6.30pm tonight.
Listen to iHeart Radio for the All Blacks squad announcement tonight at 6.30pm
The players' nearest and dearest are also on tenterhooks.
Steve Coles, the father of 30-test hooker Dane, said his family were nervous and excited ahead of the selection.
If their son makes the squad — which he is expected to — Dane will be at the Beehive with other World Cup-bound All Blacks.
"We are always hopeful but you never take it for granted," Steve said. "We're going to have a roast cooking, have a couple of quiet cold ones and watch the team naming live at home."
Dane Coles debuted for the All Blacks in 2012 and is now ranked the All Blacks' top hooker.
Selection tonight would earn him his first World Cup call-up.
"I have watched the World Cup since 1987 and to have my son's name read out in this year's team would be amazing."
Dane visited his parents yesterday at home at Paraparaumu Beach and told them he was "looking forward" to hearing his name read out.
The hooker's parents, his partner and other family members have already booked their tickets to travel to the World Cup in the UK.
The father of fellow hooking contender Codie Taylor, Kevin, said his entire family had their "toes, fingers ... everything crossed".
The Taylor family will gather in Levin tomorrow night hoping to hear Codie's name read out.
"The nerves are a bit quakey," he said. "The pressure is really on."
Kevin said his entire family were incredibly proud of the 24-year-old who has earned three test caps this year.
"It [your son becoming an All Black] is something every parent is proud of," he said. "I have a son in the team and everyone is over the moon."
Arguably the parents facing the most nervous wait today are those of loose forward Liam Messam.
The 42-test veteran is expected to make the cut if the All Blacks only take three locks. That call would give the selectors the luxury of taking up to six loose forwards.
But if selectors pump for four locks, they will only have space for five specialist loose forwards meaning 31-year-old Messam will be battling the in-form Victor Vito for the same spot.
Lewis Messam said by tonight he expected his nerves would be "absolutely shot to pieces".
Messam was considered the most unlucky player to miss selection in the 2011 World Cup squad.
"I will be fairly gutted if it happens to him twice," Lewis said.
Lewis will watch the team naming with Liam's mother, Wanda. While hoping their boy would make the cut, he said: "There will be some good guys missing out."
The All Blacks leave for London on September 10.
England players were questioned by police as soon as they landed at Christchurch Airport.