Super Rugby bruisers deserve ABs selection

Waisake Naholo of the Highlanders on the attack during the round two Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Crusaders. Photo / Getty Images.

Form team time, not the side the All Black selectors will deliver with "we know what these guys can do at the next level" comments to justify the retention of players who are out of nick.

These are the men who have done the business throughout Super Rugby and are available for the All Blacks so we'll have to exclude the impressive Nemani Nadolo and assume Waisake Naholo has been cleared for action.

Hardest choice? Probably No8 because Kieran Read was late to begin, slow to boil and has been dinged a number of times.

Let's do this is in some sort of order so we'll begin with the backline where you think it's a case of who can force their way ahead of those Hurricanes who have done so much damage in this competition.

To my eyes the Highlanders have created as much havoc, probably with less quality possession and they will outnumber the series leader in backline selections.

Ben Smith will be at fullback, Naholo on the right wing, Malakai Fekitoa at centre and Aaron Smith at halfback.

Centre will be open for debate with arguments streaming in about Conrad Smith's leadership, his experience and the way he makes such a deadly combination with Ma'a Nonu.

Smith needs all his smarts to get around the field because he's lost some snap and his defence can be rattled - equally Fekitoa can lose his line on defence but he has the pace to make up and is an attacking menace.

There's also room for some strong discussion about the form of Beauden Barrett against Lima Sopoaga - Daniel Carter pulled up into third place at the tail end of the series - two youngsters who have been the business. Sopoaga is the big mover but Barrett's pace and vision gives him the edge.

So the backs are: A Smith, Barrett, Julian Savea, Nonu, Fekitoa, Naholo, B Smith.

Then we come to No8 again. Nasi Manu has been reliable, solid and a strong leader, Liam Messam switches roles between No8 and blindside, Victor Vito has not played enough and Blade Thomson is raw.

It's probably still Read on his limited games with Messam on the blind where Jerome Kaino has been injured, and Sam Cane on the open after a stretch of strong performances.

He's needed them to see off the explosive Ardie Savea, the experienced Richie McCaw and consistent Matt Todd.

Injuries have nibbled at Brodie Retallick so while the Chiefs trump card makes his way back we will use Sam Whitelock and James Broadhurst.

Front row? Charlie Faumuina is hurt so Owen Franks gets the gig, reworked hooker Hika Elliot has pitched up throughout while Dane Coles dealt with injury and Wyatt Crockett is loosehead.

So the pack is: Read, Cane, Messam, James Broadhurst, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Hika Elliot, Wyatt Crockett.

Special mentions go to Nehe Milner-Skudder, Charlie Ngatai, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber, Elliot Dixon, Jordan Taufua and Nepo Laulala.