Damian McKenzie has caught the attention of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and could make his test debut this year.

One month into the Super Rugby season and already a trio of emerging stars have grabbed the attention of All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.

Unlike previous years when established All Blacks were accused of slow starts, an extended break and genuine preseason following last year's World Cup success has seen most incumbents return fit and firing for their respective franchises, with the exception of Hurricanes wing Julian Savea who was dropped to work on his fitness.

But, just over two months out from the first of three home tests against Wales in June, it's a new crop of talent that has Hansen cautiously optimistic about filling the void left by six veteran All Blacks.

Gallo Images Charlie Ngatai's impressive form at second five-eighth is likely to see him add to his one test for the All Blacks.

Form in March is one thing, though. Hansen makes it clear consistent performances as Super Rugby edges closer to the business end of the season will reveal much more about the ability of players to make the next step up.

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"There's some guys that we've been watching for a wee while that have been impressive. Charlie Ngatai, Elliot Dixon and Damian McKenzie are all playing well. There's also some others," Hansen said. "It's just a matter of sitting back and watching and seeing if they can sustain it. When the real pressure comes on later in the season can they do it then? That gives us a better idea of whether they can do it at All Black level."

Mark Kolbe Elliot Dixon's versatility and form could see him promoted to the All Blacks this year.

If he continues to produce, Chiefs midfielder Ngatai appears a lock for the first crack at filling Ma'a Nonu's No 12 jersey. Ngatai, who made his test debut in Samoa last year, possesses a different skill-set to Nonu but his subtle footwork and developing kicking game would nicely complement the power of in-form Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa.

Dixon's versatility and form for the Highlanders has him well placed for a test debut while McKenzie has been the standout of the season at fullback for the Chiefs.

The loss of Nehe Milner-Skudder and Waisake Naholo to injury leaves Hansen with headaches at right wing but he views McKenzie as a first five-eighth/fullback option rather than cover on the edge. That could see him compete with Beauden Barrett for a spot on the All Blacks bench, or open the door for Ben Smith to move to the right wing.

"He's got to keep playing well and then we've got to make a decision about where we play him," Hansen said of the electric, pint-sized McKenzie. "It's not a certainty but so far he's proving to be pretty handy. I don't think he'll play on the wing.

"Wing at the moment is a bit of a crisis because you've got so many people injured in the back three. We'll have to wait and see who puts their hand up and how Waisake comes back from injury. Israel [Dagg] is due to come back shortly too. We'll be looking forward to seeing them play."

Hansen's search for a player who can switch between blindside flanker and lock is gathering momentum. Loose forward Blade Thomson has shown he is more than comfortable in the second-row for the Hurricanes and Hansen suggested a host of others were also in the mix.

"There's Elliot Dixon, Steven Luatua and Patrick Tuipulotu who could play lock/loosie. We've got to bide our time and take in what we can."

Despite the loss of Chiefs prop Pauliasi Manu to a season-ending Achilles injury, Hansen is confident with the depth available at loose-head behind Crusaders pair Joe Moody and Wyatt Crockett. The likes of Reggie Goodes at the Hurricanes, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, who has struggled at the Blues this year, and the Chiefs' Mitchell Graham are thought to be leading challengers.

"There's some really good candidates there too but they're young and we've got to assess them. Someone will put their hand up."

Hansen also indicated the likelihood of him staying on with the All Blacks beyond 2017 had flipped from 70/30 in favour of stepping down to 50/50. He plans to make a decision within the next six months.