Wynne Gray: Fresh faces could sharpen All Blacks squad

Luke McAlister is congratulated by Jared Payne during the Blues' victory over NSW last night. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Past their use-by date, lost their sting, claimed by Father Time.

However you want to couch it, some of the All Blacks searching for World Cup selection look off the pace and struggling to recapture their zip.

Men such as Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Hosea Gear, Brad Thorn, Tom Donnelly and Neemia Tialata who went on last year's end-of-year trip have been quiet.

Some will get chosen on reputation rather than reality - that's a selector's prerogative.

Then there are the lengthy injuries to Tony Woodcock, Daniel Braid, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith and Isaia Toeava which have slowed their progress.

Settling on a final World Cup 30 will give selectors, and the nation's amateur panel, plenty of turmoil.

It may be one of the toughest duties for Graham Henry in his multi-decorated coaching career.

In his initial coaching days with Auckland, Henry made a number of strong selection and playing decisions. Culling great players was necessary but galling.

Job done, Henry preferred to delegate the next stage of telling the players - it was almost too personal for him.

His sentiments may have changed now, he may have hardened, but it's unlikely.

Squeezing players into a World Cup squad will provide him with some serious torment, although injury will determine some of the choices.

"Fresh is best" might be a handy mantra as the selectors look at optimum methods to rekindle some snap, crackle and pop into some jaded senior players.

The World Cup is about victory this year, picking players in their prime to get the business done.

It's not about rewarding guys for their work last season, their long service or their experience.

Those factors can be considered but players on the rise with enthusiastic skills coursing through their systems will deliver extra zing.

Loyalty is a strength and a millstone for all sporting coaches.

The more they know and embrace their players, the more their vision narrows as they see capabilities and ignore deficiencies.

The selection criteria are tougher for new players. It seems the least they have to do is play well (and risk burnout) through an entire campaign while current All Blacks are given more latitude.

About half those chosen for the 2007 World Cup are in the frame to go round again, 10 of them from the 2003 campaign are searching for another chance.

Rewarding guys for longevity doesn't cut it, not if their form is patchy.

The All Blacks are a strong group. They could be sharper with newer faces. Who?

How about Ben Smith, Sean Maitland, Jared Payne, Victor Vito, Jarrad Hoeata and Charlie Faumuina.