Experience, and some split decisions

Experience, three No 9s and No 10s and a 19-14 forwards/ backs split.

Those are the foundations for the All Blacks squad I would send out to give Warren Gatland’s men the warmest of receptions.

As crunch-time approaches my appetite for bolters decreases: hence no Jordie Barrett even though he is perfectly capable.

No Rieko Ioane either. Mine is a familiar squad of hard heads who can get stuck into their work quickly. And it begins with the pack.

The Crusaders’ form means that one of the toughest calls, between Luke Romano or Patrick Tuipulotu as back-up lock, has become progressively easier.

It was fascinating to hear how Crusaders coach Scott Robertson has put a focus on putting the kilometres in his men’s legs. Perhaps this has been key to a mini Romano revival. Tuipulotu’s handling errors on contact have also counted against him.

Seven loose forwards are selected to reflect the injury concerns there, with Bristol-bound Steven Luatua simply too good to leave out. As for the three No 7s good luck picking the starter. I have Matt Todd in front by a nose.

In the backs Tawera Kerr-Barlow joins Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara at No 9. I am drawn to the comfort of three specialists in key positions, particularly when all three halfbacks are in superb form.

That yearning for specialists also explains the selection of Lima Sopoaga as a third No 10 rather than Damian McKenzie to cover No 10 and No 15.

In the midfield, Ryan Crotty and Sonny Bill Williams are automatic

Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Codie Taylor (Crusaders), Nathan Harris (Chiefs); Owen Franks (Crusaders), Charlie Faumuina (Blues), Joe Moody (Crusaders), Wyatt Crockett (Crusaders), Ofa Tu’ungafasi (Blues); Brodie Retallick (Chiefs), Sam Whitelock (Crusaders), Luke Romano (Crusaders), Scott Barrett (Crusaders); Kieran Read (Crusaders, captain), Liam Squire (Highlanders), Jerome Kaino (Blues), Steven Luatua (Blues), Sam Cane (Chiefs), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Matt Todd (Crusaders)

Aaron Smith (Highlanders), TJ Perenara (Hurricanes), Tawera Kerr-Barlow (Chiefs); Beauden Barrett (Hurricanes), Aaron Cruden (Chiefs), Lima Sopoaga (Highlanders); Ryan Crotty (Crusaders), Sonny Bill Williams (Blues), Anton Lienert-Brown (Chiefs), Malakai Fekitoa (Highlanders); Israel Dagg (Crusaders), Julian Savea (Hurricanes), Waisake Naholo (Highlanders), Ben Smith (Highlanders). selections and Anton LienertBrown’s huge work-rate means he isn’t far behind. He has not yet hit his best form but clearly has capital in the bank with the selectors.

The fourth spot belongs to Malakai Fekitoa, who is rock solid defensively and has provided flashes of excellence on attack.

That leaves the back three: it picks itself because Nehe MilnerSkudder is unlikely to be available and Beauden Barrett offers cover at fullback.