Speculation continues to mount about which players will be seen in the All Blacks' best XV come Saturday’s quarter-final against France in Cardiff. Assistant coach Steve Hansen has been on record as saying that keen followers could predict most of the team. However, it is the key positions in the line-up, particularly in the backline, that have left a few scratching their heads before Wednesday’s naming of the team.

The forward pack seen by coach Graham Henry and his selectors Hansen, Wayne Smith and Brian Lochore as the best combination available from the immense talent in New Zealand was picked prior to the Tri-Nations. The world-best front row of Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu and Carl Hayman give any team a fright. The thought of starting the match with Anton Oliver at hooker seems to be too much of a risk for the Kiwi brains trust, with the New Zealand lineout as shaky as it always is in World Cup year.

With a consistently straighter throwing Mealamu and the two two-metre giants of Ali Williams and Chris Jack, the lineout may no longer be the centre of discussion when pondering reasons why the All Blacks will choke. The damaging back row of Jerry Collins, skipper Richie McCaw and the temperamental Rodney So’oialo has been Henry's favourite in his four years in charge - and this certainly will not change come Wednesday.

'The damaging back row of Jerry Collins, skipper Richie McCaw and the temperamental Rodney So’oialo has been Henry's favourite in his four years in charge and this certainly will not change'


Byron Kelleher should get the nod at halfback (scrum-half) after some stirring performances during the Tri-Nations and the relative inexperience of his back-up. At first-five-eighth (fly-half), Daniel Carter is the obvious first choice - but should his niggling calf strain take him out of contention for the match, the selectors have two more world-class playmakers to choose from.

Nick Evans has been groomed all year as Carter’s replacement in the selectors' meticulous ‘leave no stone unturned’ preparation but the opportunity to play Luke McAlister also allows stalwart Aaron Mauger to take his place in the side. Evans offers gliding runs, precision and temperament, while McAlister is flashy and unpredictable - often magnificent but sometimes leaving you to wonder ‘what was that?’

Pending Carter’s fitness, McAlister seems to have got the job at inside centre, outclassing Mauger, who was once the first name down on the team sheet. However, there would be little surprise if Mauger were picked for this crucial match, where his defensive leadership could possibly be the difference.

Who stands outside McAlister or Mauger has caused the most debate since the untimely retirement of legend Tana Umaga. Media speculation has tended towards Mils Muliaina in recent days, with the selectors seemingly unwilling to risk the under-prepared Conrad Smith or the inexperienced Isaia Toeava.

Smith was the No.1 choice after the European tour last year and seemed likely to take the role into the World Cu. But his ongoing battle with a hamstring injury has caused unease over who is ready to take over. Smith’s running ability will definitely not be lost if the selectors choose Toeava as they opted to in the recent Tri-Nations.

The super-talented Aucklander is a magician with ball in hand but his inability to consistently concentrate for the full 80 minutes will perhaps be too big a risk for Henry. Highly-rated fullback Muliaina is the only player the selectors will have the utmost confidence in - but it should be remembered that the last two times the All Blacks played a fullback at centre in a World Cup, they lost.

On the flanks, Sitiveni Sivivatu appears to have done enough to hold down the left with Doug Howlett or Joe Rokocoko on the right. Rokocoko is in solid form but the record-breaking Howlett has proved in recent weeks why he is the All Blacks' all-time try scorer. At fullback, Muliaina will certainly get the nod if Smith is chosen at centre but if he is shifted Evans or Leon Macdonald will come into the role.

Evans has been in superb form in recent matches, culminating in his man-of-the-match performance against Romania at both fullback and fly-half. Both men play a similar role running out of fullback with Macdonald liking to break the tackle while Evans has the ability to find a gap where there isn’t one.

The selectors will have a hard time picking a team after developing a squad of 30 strong enough to fill the two best teams in the world. Risks will certainly be taken in regards to injury, form and temperament but the team that is placed on the paddock in Cardiff will have the utmost confidence of Henry and his three wise men.

What do you think is in the All Blacks' best XV? Post your comments below.