Crusaders out of mix but in box seat for ABs selection

Repeat finalists the Crusaders are out of the Super Rugby mix this year. Photo / Getty Images

The top six is sorted and while the Stormers have the least points, they remain third because of the conference system.

That's Super Rugby for you, a sensitive new age sports tournament where financial security is sensibly apportioned and a team from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa each guaranteed a place in the finals.

Repeat finalists the Crusaders are out of the mix this time yet for some of their squad it is a victory because it frees them up for bulk involvement in the All Blacks' opening test against Samoa. Sorting out some of those Crusaders for international rugby looks a mounting task as they battled to a bonus point win against the Baby Blues.

Daniel Carter reminded us he is most suited to work at first five-eighths where his general play was strong and his goal-kicking so pure. He's coming back to the levels the All Blacks need, standards which are crucial to balance the attacking thrust the team will have in their backline.

Who else is a must-pick for the July 8 test in Samoa?

Guaranteed Super Rugby semi-finalists, the Hurricanes are unlikely starters because they will miss the All Blacks training camp to be held in the week of that playoff match.

The Chiefs or Highlanders are likely to go the same way if they meet in the opening playoff round.

So the foundation side for the All Blacks historic test in Samoa is likely to come from the Crusaders and the Blues.

On the evidence of an inconsistent season for the Crusaders and a deficient year for the Blues, the national coaches will have plenty of work to fill their days. The medical staff will also be in heavy demand.

Tony Woodcock, Charlie Faumuina, Jerome Kaino, Steven Luatua and Charles Piutau were Blues test players out of weekend work with former test picks Frank Halai and Francis Saili unwanted because they are leaving.

The only top level candidates in the Eden Park action were hookers James Parsons and Keven Mealamu.

Are there other Blues players the All Black panel will consider?

Left wing Melani Nanai, midfield back George Moala and flanker Brendon O'Connor have been the most consistent in the Blues drifting production but may not be in the national plans.

So we settle again on the Crusaders although probably not quite to the extent John Mitchell did in 2002 when he picked 14 and Jonah Lomu to start against Ireland.

National captain Richie McCaw will be there with all his credentials while Matt Todd for his energy and skill should be his understudy if Sam Cane is tied to Super 15 playoffs work.

Formidable No8 Kieran Read has been parked with another concussion so he's a wait and see prospect, perhaps opening a gap for one-time national rep Luke Whitelock.

Stacks of props are there with Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody, Owen Franks and perhaps Nepo Laulala ready to fill the vacancies.

Sam Whitelock is a certain lock while Luke Romano needs to be put under the selectors' heat with the promising Patrick Tuipulotu out for the year while the under-used Dominic Bird, who played against the Blues, might get another run.

A backline with test experience from Andy Ellis, Carter, Ryan Crotty, Tom Taylor and maybe a look at Robbie Fruean if he's fit, hints at a possible framework for Apia.

Nothing is more certain that the names on the All Blacks selectors' whiteboard will be in for a great deal of shuffling once we've been through medical checks and the opening round of the playoffs.