Jordie Barrett scores a try against the Stormers at Westpac Stadium last month.

Robust discussions are on-going around the All Blacks selection table for the 33-man squad to face the Lions, but Jordie Barrett looks set to grab one spot.

Difficult calls are everywhere. Patrick Tuipulotu or Luke Romano? Malakai Fekitoa, George Moala or Rieko Ioane? The list goes on.

When the All Blacks reveal their squad on Thursday to face the British and Irish Lions, more players than usual will be left disappointed.

PHIL WALTER/GETTY IMAGES Jordie Barrett, right, is poised to join brothers Scott, left, and Beauden Barrett in the All Blacks squad.

But those in Taranaki may rejoice as it seems likely three Barretts could make the squad: Beauden, alongside Aaron Cruden and Lima Sopoaga, as the three first five-eighths; Scott at lock alongside Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock; and Jordie, probably edging out McKenzie for the utility backline role.

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ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT Patrick Tuipulotu is in a tussle with the Crusaders' Luke Romano for a locking berth.

It would be a brutal call on McKenzie, who before this weekend played every minute for the Chiefs during the past two seasons, predominantly from fullback, and shined in many of those matches. If he misses out, McKenzie could still feature for the Maori All Blacks.

The midfield is another area of uncertainty. Sonny Bill Williams appears to have done enough for the selectors to keep faith in the impact he could have. But the big news came on Saturday afternoon with the ever-dependable Ryan Crotty damaging his rib cartilage against the Highlanders; an injury that could rule him out of the series, and potentially grant Malakai Fekitoa a reprieve.

Anton Lienert-Brown's nervousness at the All Blacks' jersey launch this week summed up the competitive nature of this squad.

DIANNE MANSON/GETTY IMAGES Rieko Ioane's versatility and nose for the try line could see him edge out Malakai Fekitoa.

"I haven't quite hit the form I've wanted but I'm working hard towards that," Lienert-Brown said.

"Compared to last year it's been a bit indifferent. I've just got to trust the process that it will get me back into form and that will hopefully get me selected for the All Blacks."

Lienert-Brown should not fret. He is expected to make the cut which probably leaves one other midfield spot. Ioane, who is in top form and can cover centre and wing from the bench, may have the edge over Blues team-mate George Moala there.

The Lions tour has probably arrived a touch early for the likes of impressive Crusaders centre Jack Goodhue and powerhouse Hurricanes No 12 Ngani Laumape.

In the outside backs the electric Nehe Milner-Skudder may have left his return too late to crack this initial squad, and like McKenzie may instead turn out for the Maori.

The loose forward mix could be shaped by whether the selectors opt for a 18/15 forwards/backs split or 17/16.

It is also complicated by injuries, with captain Kieran Read expected to go into the first test cold while Jerome Kaino should return in the hit-out against Samoa one week before facing the Lions. Liam Squire is out of his cast but not likely to be ready until the second test. With that in mind carrying three opensides may be seen as a luxury, which could see Matt Todd miss out to Steven Luatua or Brad Shields.

Tuipulotu has one final chance to push his case when the Blues take on the Lions at Eden Park on Wednesday.

Up front Blues prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi's ability to cover either side of the scrum may see him preferred over the likes of Chiefs tighthead Nepo Laulala.

Dane Coles will be named, but given his lack of game-time and conditioning he is out of contention for at least the first test. Highlanders hooker Liam Coltman is the likely candidate to come in as injury cover, joining fellow rakes Codie Taylor and Nathan Harris.

Possible All Blacks squad: Owen Franks, Joe Moody, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Dane Coles/Liam Coltman, Codie Taylor, Nathan Harris, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu/Luke Romano, Kieran Read, Jerome Kaino, Liam Squire, Sam Cane, Ardie Savea, Steven Luatua/Brad Shields, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Cruden, Lima Sopoaga, Ryan Crotty/Malakai Fekitoa, Sonny Bill Williams, Anton Lienert-Brown, Rieko Ioane/George Moala, Ben Smith, Israel Dagg, Julian Savea, Waisake Naholo, Jordie Barrett