The All Blacks training squad (minus Wellington and Canterbury players) had their last chance yesterday to impress the selectors before the actual squad is announced on Sunday.

They played a warm up match against a New Zealand Barbarian team, which was basically a Blues trial team - and for a lot of the guys in the squad this was their first bit of rugby action in six weeks.

While the scoreline for the match isn't important (56-10, for anyone interested) what is important is that we can get a fair idea of what the selectors are looking for when they finally name the squad in a few days.

Of most importance is the need to find a capable backup for Richie McCaw, and at this stage it's a two-horse race between Tanerau Latimer and Scott Waldrom. The other day, we said it would be unlikely that either would make the final cut - but we're prepared to say we got that one wrong, as it seems almost certain that one of the two will get their first chance to put on the All Black jersey at some stage soon.

We think of the two guys Scott Waldrom would be the better pick, as he is probably the closest thing we have to another McCaw. He is excellent around the breakdown, which is what the selectors will be looking for.

This may mean his brother Thomas (who we think should be given a place in the squad as well) may miss out, as Liam Meesam and Sione Luaki (why, oh why??) will probably have the edge at No8.

Keiran Reid is another player who seems destined to get a spot - at least if you listen to rugby journalists around the country. Personally we don't think he stands out as much as Meesam or T. Waldrom, and would prefer to see them get the nod.

The other concern that has emerged is the injury to John Afoa, who tweaked his knee in the warm up match. It's uncertain how bad the injury is at this stage, but with Neemia Tialata also under an injury cloud the All Blacks may have to rely on a few new comers in the propping department.

Jaime Mackintosh seems destined to get one of those spots, while Ben Franks is also in the mix, although he was the only player not to get a run in yesterday's game - if you can read anything into that..?

What is now becoming clear is that New Zealand does not have a player depth problem, as many people thought we did. The amount of players who are knocking on the door of selection is healthy, and things are looking very good for the years ahead.

The only thing lacking is a bit of experience for some of these guys, but what better place to get some experience than on a tour to Britain?

While this season has been about moving on from last year's World Cup loss, and replacing the players who have since left, we think we will now start to see the players emerge who will go through to the 2011 World Cup. It may be a long way away, but with so much pressure put on the All Blacks to win the World Cup (especially as it's in New Zealand), Graham Henry and co need to start building a squad that will go through to 2011, and beyond.

There certainly wouldn't be an issue with experience by then...