New Zealand Players leading up to the World Cup

New Zealand
The question of Richie McCaw's back-up has gobbled up so much attention that last week's departure of Mils Muliaina for a month with a back injury went under the radar.
Although there is no suggestion that Muliaina won't be fully restored to take his place in the World Cup starting side, the lack of anxiety over his absence speak volumes about the Kiwis' plethora of outside backs.
And the continued growth of Robbie Fruean - who will already be giving Adam Ashley-Cooper nightmares - has further complicated a selection area that is stacking up to be the most hotly contested.
Expressed simply, the likes of Fruean, Isaia Toeava, Richard Kahui, Israel Dagg, Joe Rokocoko, Rene Ranger, Cory Jane, Zac Guildford, Sitiveni Sivavatu, Hosea Gear and now Sean Maitland can't all fit into the squad.
Of those Toeva and Gear most likely booked their places with strong end-of-season tours, but the rampaging form of Fruean - not even fear could take Ashley-Cooper from his grasp, although the Brumby oddly appears to be lacking some conditioning - has put the rest on notice.
Fruean's lack of versatility might count against him, although there is nothing to say that the All Blacks coaches won't see him as a centre who can cover wing. Certainly they have gone down that path with Kahui and the sight of Fruean terrorising Australian defences in concert with giant midfield mate Sonny Bill Williams must have them purring about his potential.
We suspect it's possible that, injuries permitting, the All Blacks might add Fruean, Dagg and Sivavatu to their travelling party with the unlucky Jane and Rokocoko to miss out. What a problem to have.
There must be delight too that Fruean, along with Dagg, Maitland and Guildford, are safely housed in the Canterbury environment.
Notwithstanding its reputation for developing potential all three are being given the opportunity of playing alongside Dan Carter.
The expectation of Carter's excellence has meant that his form has been something of the untold story so far this year. But there has more than just the fine goalkicking and game control. There is an explosiveness and acceleration this year that serious injuries in the past few years might have dulled.
Relishing the extra attention Williams is bringing - probably off the field as well - Carter has been quick to spot a half gap and put the foot down. He takes on the voracious Highlanders loose forwards on Saturday, but watch how he'll be trying to exploit the lack of familiarity in their 10-12 channel. He seems back to his very best.
The same cannot be said of Conrad Smith during the entertaining but error-riddled Hurricanes v Chiefs game, but the clever No.13 is one of those players who has built up a vast amount of much capital with the selectors in recent years.
Despite a few uncharacteristic errors on Saturday, Smith remains the best defensive back in New Zealand, in the most important position, and offers the perfect foil to the power that Williams or Ma'a Nonu bring at No.12.
The injuries: Ali Williams will miss a month with a hamstring injury and McCaw's recovery from his tricky metatarsal injury is taking longer than expected, which will be no surprise to fans of English football who have watched David Beckham and Wayne Rooney struggle with similar injuries and turn up to World Cups as shadows of their former selves.
The wildcard: Last week we mentioned one Highlander lock, Jarrad Hoeata, this week it's the turn of another, Josh Bekhuis. His tussle with Sam Whitelock on Saturday could be a cracker.