Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade are both pushing hard to occupy the All Black No 10 jersey later this year.

Steve Hansen has recently returned from an international think-tank around the direction of the laws of rugby. It's fair to say picking his top XV for World Cup year will not involve the same shredding of grey matter.

In fact, right now, on form and presuming cataclysmic injury won't strike anyone too important (besides poor old Aaron Cruden), there are really only two positions that will be giving Hansen the sort of angst that was no doubt a constant companion during the days locked in a room discussing the game's arcane regulations.

They are, in order of difficulty, right wing and first five-eighths.

Besides that Hansen's top XV pretty much picks itself. His tight five is well established, if a little battered at present. Lock Brodie Retallick is expected to return late in Super Rugby from his shoulder problem, and the variety of ailments that have afflicted Dane Coles are not thought to be major. Both have time on their side.

The loose forward trio of McCaw-Kaino-Read is a lay down misere, even if Sam Cane is offering timely reminders that the succession plan behind the skipper is on point. Aaron Smith is the best halfback in the world (and now also has an understudy nipping at his heels) and the Ma'a Nonu/Conrad Smith midfield combination appears entrenched in a timely late-career resurgence. Somewhere, quietly, they've been supping from the Fountain of Youth, much to the consternation of Sonny Bill Williams.

Anyone who watches the game with more than passing interest is now well aware Ben Smith is the best fullback lacing boots and slapping on the liniment, and something similar goes for Julian Savea on the left wing where he combines pace, power and dexterity in delicious fusion.

All of which brings us to Nos 10 and 14.

Let's start with first five-eighth, where the field was reduced by one when Cruden underwent successful surgery requiring a five to six-month rehab.

That left three established contenders – Dan Carter, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade – and a couple of backup options in the soon-to-depart Tom Taylor and fast-improving Lima Sopoaga. Given how 2011 played out, the Gaffer is well aware of the importance of a Plan B, C and D.

So, who does he go with?

Carter is the default option, given his pedigree and a long-overdue run free of injury. Plus, he finally looks to be working into something resembling premium form as the Crusaders steel for a late playoff charge.

But – there's always a 'but' – he's not playing the position, and it's difficult to regard him as a lock for No 10 when he's not being chosen there for his franchise.

Slade is getting that nod, with a string of standout performances keeping Carter at 12 where he's finally starting to create like we all know he can.

Both, though, have been upstaged by Barrett who was brilliant for the Canes before being sidelined with a knee injury. His signature performance in victory over the Crusaders showcased the vast attacking repertoire of this gifted playmaker.

Right now, he is New Zealand's best first five and deserves to start there for the All Blacks. Carter's tactical acumen and trusty left boot may cloud that decision, as may Barrett's proven impact ability, but for sheer game-changing brilliance, the turbo-charged Hurricane deserves his crack.

Right wing is more convoluted. For starters Ben Smith could play there, supposing Hansen concluded long-term No 15 Israel Dagg was a must-have in his back three.

He appeared to waver from that thinking on tour last year, which means Dagg, Cory Jane, Charles Piutau and possibly even utilities Williams and Malakai Fekitoa could all be in contention for No 14. Maybe even standout Highlander Waisake Naholo as a bolter.

Right now it's the most open starting spot. Jane is the incumbent and widely proven, but needs to find form. Piutau's injury, and imminent departure, might cloud his prospects. What about Fekitoa or Williams? Pace, the high ball and defensive requirements would make them risky choices (though remember how well Richard Kahui fared?).

Jane has the inside running. But it's one spot where Hansen might be tempted to get a little creative.

Marc Hinton's All Blacks XV: Ben Smith, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock.