OPINION: As Super Rugby approaches its apex, the All Blacks' first squad of the year will soon follow.
Coach Ian Foster is expected to name his selection after this weekend's semi-finals, but there's more than one tough call to make - in more than one position.
With only 15 spots in Foster's First XV, world class players will inevitably miss out.
Who should be the first-choice first-five? Can Sam Cane and Dalton Papali'i play in the same side? Is Will Jordan a fullback or a winger?
Newshub's sporting experts give their takes on how Foster and co. should shape as we tick closer to the World Cup.
Ollie Ritchie, Newshub rugby reporter
The forward pack largely selects itself based on Super Rugby form. For those who don't find themselves on the ever-growing casualty ward, blindside flanker is where selectors will likely find the most headaches.
I've gone with Ethan Blackadder, despite his latest injury worry. His form through the opening rounds of Super Rugby was too good to overlook.
Blackadder provides the type of physicality the All Blacks need there - a super strong ballrunner and able to make a menace of himself at the breakdown.
Despite Leicester Fainga'anuku's impending departure to France, he's been the best left winger by some way this season and deserves his spot. His dominant ball running is too compelling to overlook.
It's a difficult call in midfield, but I have to stick with Jordie Barrett and I like the pairing with Anton Lienert-Brown, who is as consistent as ever. Mark Telea needs nothing further written about him - what hasn't he done for the Blues this year?!
With Jordie Barrett moving to second-five, finally the country's best fullback - Will Jordan - can actually play there.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Tom Bartlett, Newshub head of sport
The big talking points in this XV are in the forwards, notably the omission of Sam Cane, who has been strong this year for the Chiefs, but in my opinion, just not as brilliant as Blues skipper Dalton Papali'i, who proved without question on last year's northern tour he belongs as a starting All Black.
Ardie Savea takes over the captaincy full-time from Cane, with Ethan Blackadder's physicality winning him the No.6 shirt, even off the back of limited minutes in Super Rugby Pacific.
Scott Barrett just gets the nod ahead of Brodie Retallick, with Sam Whitelock's leadership skills ensuring he keeps his place. Tamaiti Williams is a little nod to the future - he's big, he's fit and he's playing as well as he ever has, so I'd unleash him.
One contentious call in the backs - Cam Roigard. I love Aaron Smith, but I'd be brave and pick the form halfback of Super Rugby Pacific for the variety he provides in terms of running with the ball.
As for fullback, Will Jordan's a world class No.15, so let's not muck around with him as a winger any more.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tamaiti Willians, 4-Sam Whitelock, 5-Scott Barrett, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Dalton Papali'i, 8-Ardie Savea (c), 9-Cam Roigard, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Caleb Clarke, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Alex Powell, Newshub digital sport producer
Super Rugby form should be rewarded, so Damian McKenzie's performances for the competition-leading Chiefs should see him have first crack at No.10, likewise with Luke Jacobson at No.6.
Despite the challenge of Dalton Papali'i, Sam Cane keeps the No.7 jersey and the captaincy.
Anton Lienert-Brown gets the nod over Rieko Ioane, who will instead do a job as the No.23 in the same way Sonny Bill Williams did in 2015.
As for the back three, players have to be picked on what they've done for their franchises - in the positions they've been playing. Leicester Fainga'anuku and Mark Telea have been the best No.11 and No.14 respectively, while no-one gets near Will Jordan as a fullback.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Luke Jacobson, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Damian McKenzie, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Mark Quinlivan, Newshub digital producer
Because Beauden Barrett has been injured and out of form, he didn't make my starting XV as No.10 or fullback. Will Jordan - the best fullback in the country - must start there.
The midfield is, like most years, the toughest to pick, but Jordie Barrett's continued development as a world-class No.12 is too good to ignore and he gets the nod in my team, ahead of David Havili.
On the loose forward trio, Ethan Blackadder - should he be deemed fit - has done enough to earn the No.6 jersey. If Blackadder can't get enough match fitness under his belt, Ardie Savea should pack down on the blindside, with Hoskins Sotutu at the back.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Scott Barrett, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ethan Blackadder/Ardie Savea, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea/Hoskins Sotutu, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Alex Chapman, Newshub sport reporter
No.6 is the position most up for grabs, so I'd go with Ethan Blackadder. Dalton Papali'i could be an option here, but he limits the All Blacks' options on the bench.
The same logic applies with not having Scott Barrett at No.6, although restricted recent game-time could be what hinders Blackadder.
Papali'i's versatility sees him on the bench, as cover for captain Sam Cane.
In midfield, Rieko Ioane beats Anton Lienert-Brown to partner Jordie Barrett. He's the best centre in the competition and can move out to the wing as cover as well, depending on how the bench looks.
Will Jordan is also in at fullback. You could make the argument for Beauden Barrett, but Jordan gets the nod. Jordie Barrett at No.12 also allows the All Blacks to, in a way, continue their duel playmaker role.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Leicester Fainga'anuku, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Grant Chapman, Newshub digital sport lead
All Blacks sides have been strongest, when their reserves are strong, so I've opted to bring a couple of weapons off the bench - Samisoni Taukei'aho at hooker, and Damian McKenzie at either No.10 or No.15.
I think Ian Foster loves Scott Barrett at blindside flanker, which also enables him to carry two loose forwards on his bench - Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali'i - with Barrett switching into the second row late.
Not sold on Jordie Barrett in the midfield, but bringing David Havili on late might see him revert to the wing or fullback.
I also like having Richie Mo'unga/Beauden/McKenzie available, because all three can be gamebreakers on their day - but that's not to say you can't have McKenzie fill No.10, Jordie to wing and Will Jordan at fullback late in the game, if you need a Plan C.
The only real newcomer would be Tamaiti Williams, who has gone from strength to strength in a depleted Crusaders front row and offers propping versatility on either side of the scrum, coming off the bench.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Sam Whitelock, 5-Brodie Retallick, 6-Scott Barrett, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Will Jordan, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Beauden Barrett
Stephen Foote, Newshub digital sport producer
The tight five picks itself, but can we take a moment to marvel how beastly a Blackadder/Papali'i/Savea loose forward would be? A spectacular blend of power, ball playing and breakdown prowess.
The Smith/Mo'unga duo is the axis the All Blacks need to play the uptempo brand of rugby - particularly come World Cup time - and unleash a backline laden with weapons, punctuated by two genuine gamebreakers on the wings in Mark Telea and Will Jordan.
Jordie Barrett's combination of size and skills, coupled with his kicking ability, make him the incumbent No.12, pairing with Rieko Ioane in a terrifying midfield tandem for opposition defenders.
Fullback has provoked plenty of debate, but it has to be Beauden Barrett… because he's Beauden Barrett and Beauden Barrett needs to be a run-on All Black at all times. His elite pace and defence-unlocking capabilities are critical at test level, while his tactical kicking game will take on a new degree of importance in France.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock (c), 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Dalton Papali'i, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Mark Telea, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Beauden Barrett
William Hewett, Newshub digital producer
Most of the All Blacks starting XV looks pretty straightforward bar a couple of the positions.
The first position, which is controversial is blindside flanker and I've gone for Ethan Blackadder. Even though he's had an injury-disrupted Super Rugby Pacific, he brings physicality, which that position requires.
This will be especially important if we come up against South Africa or Ireland in the quarter-finals of the world cup. Physicality will be incredibly important in those match-ups and he brings it in spades.
Even though he's not everyone's favourite captain, I've kept the armband on Sam Cane. I like the way he leads by example, gets through a mountain of work and just can't see coach Ian Foster changing in 2023.
First-five is another position that is hotly contested and will be a shootout between Damian McKenzie, Richie Mo'unga and Beauden Barrett. While many will think it's between Barrett and Mo'unga, I think the brave and right call is giving the No. 10 jersey to McKenzie. The Chiefs first-five has been the standout player in his position, with his creativity and passing leading his side to the top of the Super Rugby table.
The wings will be hotly contested, but I've gone with Mark Telea and Will Jordan. Telea has been the standout in Super Rugby with his elusive footwork and try-scoring ability while Jordan's ability under the high ball and form for the Crusaders is too good to ignore.
With a World Cup quarter-final likely against Ireland or South Africa, having someone strong under the high ball will be crucial, which is why I've gone with Beauden Barrett. He also brings a strong long kicking game, experience in big matches and also some x-factor to help light up the All Blacks attack.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Sam Whitelock, 5-Scott Barrett, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Sam Cane (c), 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Damian McKenzie, 11-Mark Telea, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Beauden Barrett
Travis Mitchell, Newshub morning reporter/producer
With Sam Whitelock on track to become our most capped All Black of all time - if he's healthy - I've given him the captaincy. He gets the nod for the experience he's had on rugby's biggest stage and the leadership he's shown in the past.
A position that I weighed up a lot was the No.7 but I've gone with Papali'i, I think the line break threat and speed he brings will be what the team needs.
I know the selection of McKenzie over Mo'unga may raise some eyebrows, but for me, McKenzie has been the form No.10 during Super Rugby and has earned himself a crack in that jersey.
Emoni Narawa has been outstanding this season and I would love him to get a chance in the black jersey. Leicester Fainga'anuku is probably the more obvious choice, but I want to see the surprise factor Narawa brings.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock (c), 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Dalton Papali'i, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Damian McKenzie, 11-Emoni Narawa, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Nick Truebridge, Newshub reporter
Will Jordan surely has to start at 15 - in my view, the best in the world when picked there.
I've also gone with Rieko Ioane at No.11. He was dynamic in that spot when first picked for the All Blacks and I don't feel he's had quite the same success internationally at centre.
Mo'unga 10, McKenzie on the bench. Papali'i ahead of Cane, which sees Captain Hurricane, Ardie Savea, get the top job.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 3-Tyrel Lomax, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock, 6-Ethan Blackadder, 7-Dalton Papali'i, 8-Ardie Savea (c), 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Rieko Ioane, 12-Jordie Barrett, 13-Anton Lienert-Brown, 14-Mark Telea, 15-Will Jordan
Mitchell Redman, AM reporter/producer
In the front row, I've gone with Tamaiti Williams. It's minutes the 140kg prop has been eating this season. A stand-out in a depleted Crusaders forward pack - and a proven operator week in week out. Sensible selection to gain experience, pre-World Cup.
Sam's Whitelock takes on the captaincy, in his swansong season. Late April - Cane still had no word from Fozzy on 2023 captaincy. Hand it over now, hand it over early - let Cane focus on being a No.7. Depends on that dodgy achilles however.
Mark Telea takes the No.11 jersey, on Leicester Fainga'anuku's left wing. Fainga'anuku's 18-month French contract will see him fall from the starting XV - and maybe even squad due to the "lack of loyalty", NZR might see. Size and power will be missed.
Will Jordan been shafted to the wing far too often in the black jumper, but Shaun Stevenson's form at No.15 warrants a spot. Jordie Barrett yet to properly fire in 2023 - but will likely shake things up with Anton Lienert-Brown to partner Rieko Ioane in midfield.
1-Ethan de Groot, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Tamaiti Williams, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Sam Whitelock (c), 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Sam Cane, 8-Ardie Savea, 9-Aaron Smith, 10-Richie Mo'unga, 11-Mark Telea, 12-Anton Lienert-Brown, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Shaun Stevenson
