New Zealand rugby has always boasted about the depth of their players. Whenever someone leaves, there's always been someone ready to step into the black jersey. It's one of the reasons the All Blacks have been so dominant for so long.

But at the end of last year, we lost a lot of very experienced players to European clubs - which meant 2008 was always going to be about developing the next lot of All Blacks.

The year hasn't gone as smoothly as we'd all have liked, and we think you'd all agree that one of the biggest problems facing the All Blacks is that our depth is really being tested - and might not be as deep as we'd once thought.

How could it be when you lose players like Collins, Jack, Oliver, Hayman, Mauger, Howlett, McAllister..... the list goes on.

So, we thought we'd have a look at the players the All Black selectors have to choose from if and when injuries strike - as they have with McCaw, Williams, Ellis, Cowan and Hore so far this year.

So:

Props: John Schwalger and Jaime McIntosh are capable of playing Test rugby, while Wyatt Crockett, Jacob Ellison and Ben Castle need a bit more experience.

Hookers: Hika Elliot, while relatively inexperienced, is tough - and a great scrummager. The other option is Cory Flynn, who is injured at the moment - he probably would have been called in if available.

Locks: Jason Eaton, Kevin O'Neill, and Ross Filipo all have Test experience, while Tom Donnolly has plenty of Super 14 experience.

Loose Forwards: Liam Messam, Tanerau Latimer, Keiran Reid and Hoani MacDonald are all great players, but have no experience at the highest level. Mose Tui'alii has played for the All Blacks, but has never cemented a spot with the team.

While there are plenty of options in the forwards, the fact is that most of them are new - and possibly not ready for Test rugby, just yet.

The problem with depth becomes extremely obvious when we look at the backs.

Halfback: Piri Weepu is the obvious choice, and should consider himself unlucky not to have been selected earlier in the year. Taniela Moa was impressive in the Super 14, but is not ready for the pressures of Test rugby - he needs more game time with Auckland. Jaime Nutbrown is the other option, but, quite honestly, we don't think he has the goods to be an All Black.

First-five: This is our biggest worry, with Carter and Donald the only two players capable of wearing the number ten jersey. If either gets injured Jimmy Goppeth would be the only choice, unless they try Stephen Brett at first-five. Callum Bruce would be a very long shot...

Inside Center: Brett is a good attacking option, but can be exposed on defence. Benson Stanley is a good young player, but needs another year of Super 14 rugby before he should step up. Tamati Ellison is another option.

Center: Casey Laulala is injured and therefore unavailable, while Ben Atiga and Isaia Toeava have both been linked to overseas clubs. Tamati Ellison can also play center.

Wings: Lelia Masaga had an impressive Super 14, but showed signs of inexperience. He is capable, though, and offers a lot on attack. Hosea Gear is also an attacking machine, and could possibly follow in his brother Rico's steps.

Fullback: Paul Williams is the clear favourite if Muliaina or MacDonald are unavailable. Other options are Sosene Anesi, who has played for the All Blacks, and Shannon Paku, who has has plenty of experience with Wellington and the New Zealand Maori.

There are a lot of players to pick from, but that's not the issue. The issue is this - so many of these players are inexperienced, and may well be exposed if introduced to the highest level.

Let's just pray the All Blacks don't suffer anymore injuries...