Aaron Cruden has made a strong start with the Chiefs in Super Rugby to enhance his claims for an All Blacks recall with the No 10 jersey open after Dan Carter's departure.

All Blacks great Andrew Mehrtens has tipped Aaron Cruden to fill Dan Carter's massive boots in the world champion outfit this year.

With the All Blacks in a transition mode following the retirement of so many experienced players after last year's World Cup triumph in London, the focus falls on who will step up.

There are major vacancies at first-five, the openside flanker's role in the absence of Richie McCaw and a new midfield required with Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith now playing inFfrance where Carter also plies his trade.

The intrigue hasn't been missed across the Tasman and Mehrtens, a former All Blacks playmaker, joined a Fox Sports panel with former Wallabies Phil Kearns, Rod Kafer and Greg Martin to discuss the possibilities.

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Mehrtens was pretty firm in his belief that Cruden, who missed the World Cup through injury, could handle the No 10 role for the All Blacks as he had previously proven when Carter was himself struggling with injuries and form.

"It's pretty even, isn't it," Mehrtens told Fox Sports of a race where Cruden, Beauden Barrett and Lima Sopoaga are all viable options.

"I think I'd back Cruden at the moment. He's got five or six year's experience in the All Blacks team. He ran it really, really well for a couple of years while Carter was very absent. I thank he's got the frontrunning.

"Barrett can get in and do a bit more in terms of controlling the game for the Hurricanes. I think he's almost turned into almost an impact player. We know he's a phenomenally talented player. He's got a lot of speed. I think he needs to stamp his mark on the game a little more like Cruden does.

"Sopoaga is obviously a massively influential player at the Highlanders."

Kearns said there had been a noticeable improvement in Cruden's physicality.

"Three years ago, he was ridiculous, you could run straight over the top of him but his physicality has improved. I agree I reckon he's probably the pick of the bunch," Kerans told Fox Sports, adding he wouldn't be surprised if Steve Hansen mixed up his options.

"All three of them have a different style and for New Zealand what a wonderful position to be in. We're going to play this team this weekend, so we're going to pick this five-eighth as that will be the best to match that. They can just pick and choose."

There was general consensus that Sam Cane would fill the No 7 jersey vacated by the incomparable McCaw. Mehrtens said it was important that Cane be asked to "play his own game" rather attempt to replicate McCaw's.

Malakai Fekitoa was their tip for centre and the value of having a midfield combination meant the Crusaders stalwart Ryan Crotty was the better option at No 12. They felt Crotty's calm, assured play and communication skills complemented the robust game of Fekitoa.

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