No 10 cover at World Cup?

had stripped them of a third-string playmaker to provide cover for Richie Mo’unga and Barrett, selectors Ian Foster, Grant Fox and Hansen will have discussed multiple back-up plans.

Fox has already hinted they haven’t discounted the option of picking only two first-fives in their 31-man squad to travel to the tournament in Japan.

After the first pool game against South Africa in Yokohama, the All Blacks meet Canada in Oita, Namibia in Tokyo and Italy in Toyota.

While careful not to show any disrespect to Canada and Namibia for obvious reasons, the All Blacks will also need to be mindful of the requirement to keep players match fit, without subjecting them to unnecessary risk.

If Barrett and Mo’unga are the only two specialist first-fives, it could provide the selectors with more freedom to bolster either their midfield or back three.

In 2011, with Graham Henry in his eighth and final year as head coach, the All Blacks selectors were prepared to select just two specialist No 10s in Carter and Slade.

By adding Piri Weepu to their quota of halfbacks – the others were Andy Ellis and Jimmy Cowan – they had a man with a background of playing at first-five, and could kick goals.

Henry’s worst nightmares almost came to fruition as Carter and Slade, and then replacement Aaron Cruden, exited the tournament with serious knee injuries.

Weepu, who had been struggling with a groin injury that affected his goal kicking during the final against France in Auckland, was replaced by Ellis with 31 minutes remaining.

Stephen Donald, a late addition to the squad as injury cover, secured Henry’s knighthood with a penalty kick during the 8-7 win.

Fox has already noted that it’s a risk to pick just two first-fives for a World Cup tournament. But it clearly can be done. Yet Fox and his fellow selectors will know they cannot afford to be oblivious to history.

The question for them is whether they believe this is a gamble that is truly worth taking.