OPINION: If there is to be an uncapped bolter in Steve Hansen's All Blacks squad to be selected in just three weeks' time – and the boss hints there might be – then Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi and rising young Highlanders star Shannon Frizell might be up near the top of that list.

Tahuriorangi is probably the warmest prospect, given the All Blacks are almost certain to carry three halfbacks, hookers and first-fives in their 33-man squad to face the French which will be announced on May 20. It's understood they're committed to growing their depth at Nos 9 and 10, and with Nathan Harris' partner due to have a baby in the middle of the French series an extra body is going to be required at No 2 as well.

Tahuriorangi, who was called in for the recent Wellington "foundation" day, looks to be in a straight head to head with Mitchell Drummond for the third halfback's spot. A continuation of his impressive form for the Chiefs could see him nudge that battle.

HAGEN HOPKINS/GETTY IMAGES Shannon Frizell has starred for the Highlanders.

Those extra bodies in the specialist positions may make things tighter elsewhere in the squad, with the hugely competitive back-three and midfield mixes potentially where compromise may have to come. Hansen admits he has some "headaches" there, deciding among a plethora of quality contenders.

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But there is possibly room for a new face in the loose forwards as well, with skipper Kieran Read still on the recovery road from that back surgery. Which is where Frizell comes in.

The 24-year-old has been playing very, very well for the Highlanders in the absence of Liam Squire with that thumb injury, and it is understood he is now on the national radar. His size, athleticism and skill range offers definite test potential.

For now the All Blacks coach is keeping his cards close to his chest around individual selection prospects, though he is happy to confirm he, Ian Foster and Grant Fox have some tough calls coming as they settle on the 33 to assemble for the French series.

Hansen anticipates having most of his recently crocked frontliners available, including Squire (a potential fill-in at No 8) and loosehead prop Joe Moody who both suffered setbacks in their returns. The burly Highlanders loosie should be back for the final round or two of Super Rugby before the June break, while Moody is due on the field well before then. Tighthead prop Nepo Laulala is also expected back from his fractured forearm in time to be considered.

"The problem is going to be finding space for all the people we do have available," Hansen told Stuff. "Whilst we've got some injury problems, we've also got some headaches with our selection as well because of the quality of people we've got."

Hansen used 54 players in the All Blacks last year and as such has a surfeit of contenders with most available for the June series.

"On the one hand it will be easy because you've got so much quality to pick from, but on the other it will be tough because you've got to make sure you get that mix right. That will make it tough, and there will be a few tough phone calls to be had."

He's not ruling out a new face either, saying there "could be" some exciting news for somebody.

The loose forward mix shapes as an intriguing one. Sam Cane, Squire, if fit, and Vaea Fifita are certainties. You have to think Ardie Savea is too. Then, does he carry a third 7 in Matt Todd, bring in a Frizell or Lachlan Boshier (who has impressed with the Chiefs) to look at a new face or give Akira Ioane and/or Luke Whitelock a crack at No 8?

The tight five looks easier to predict, though there's a possibility they could pick just three locks and use Fifita to cover there. Liam Coltman might have the inside running for third hooker, though that would be tough on the Hurricanes' Ricky Riccitelli.

The backs is where it gets really interesting. Damian McKenzie will be one of three No 10s, probably along with Richie Mo'unga, but also covers fullback more than adequately. That could force a real squeeze in midfield and the back three.

Sonny Bill Williams (back on field soon), Ryan Crotty, Anton Lienert-Brown and Ngani Laumape are the incumbent midfielders, while Jack Goodhue and Vince Aso are applying serious heat with their Super Rugby form. Remember this, the All Blacks selectors seldom drop someone who has performed with distinction for them last time out.

The back three is even more competitive. Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane are selection locks, Waisake Naholo has to be close to it, and then there may or may not be room for one more from the likes of Julian Savea (who impressed with his sharpness on Friday night), Ben Lam, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Israel Dagg, Solomon Alaimalo (now also well and truly on the radar) and Matt Duffie.

"We're fortunate," adds Hansen of his selection puzzle. "But at the same time there will be disappointment for some people when the team gets named."