



SEVENS STAR

Despite splitting his commitments between the Hurricanes and the All Blacks Sevens this year, Ardie Savea remains a long term option for the number seven jersey. Ravenous at the breakdown and explosive with ball in hand, the 22-year-old offers another attacking element to the All Blacks. The only doubts remain around whether Savea has the bulk to withstand the rigours of Test rugby as a loose forward.





YOUNG GUN

From playing first fifteen rugby in 2014 to starring for the Blues just two years later, it has been a quick ascent for 20-year-old flanker Blake Gibson. In the opening Super Rugby game of 2016, Gibson made a huge statement when he palmed off All Blacks fullback Ben Smith to score a brilliant solo try. Rebounding from an injury ravaged 2015, Gibson has shown in the early stages of Super Rugby that he can foot it with the best breakdown specialists in the competition.





SEASONED VETERAN

After performing strongly at domestic level for Tasman since 2010, 30-year-old workhorse Shane Christie is now a key component of the reigning Super Rugby champions the Highlanders. Known for his high work rate, punishing defence and leadership qualities, Christie has been a regular feature in the Maori All Blacks and has represented the All Blacks Sevens in the past. The Highlanders co-captain is a dependable option and has a wealth of experience that may appeal to the selectors.





CONSISTENT CRUSADER

As far as dependable options go, none maybe more bankable than Crusaders flanker Matt Todd. His proficiency at the breakdown and accuracy on defence place him in the top bracket of loose forwards in the country. Despite sitting behind Richie McCaw at the Crusaders since 2011, Todd’s undoubted ability has been rewarded with three All Blacks caps in that time. At 28-years-old, the Crusaders tearaway is maturing into a dominant force and will be looking forward to an unbroken run in the seven jersey for the Crusaders.









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We take a look at some of the players who could fill the biggest shoes in world rugby.Since making his All Blacks debut as a 20-year-old in 2012, Sam Cane has been viewed as Richie McCaw’s heir apparent. The Chiefs tearaway is a skilled exponent at the breakdown, strong with ball in hand and a respected leader – all traits synonymous with McCaw. Cane’s elevation to the All Blacks captaincy for the Rugby World Cup clash with Namibia last year further enhanced his pedigree at Test level. After 30 Test matches, Cane will be hoping to develop his own legacy in the black jersey in the wake of McCaw’s retirement.