The midfield is shaping as the most fascinating battle for the All Blacks squad this year. There are loads of players in the frame, but few who should/are actually shoe-ins to make the squad.
The Incumbents
Jordie Barrett - The incumbent second five is currently playing at Leinster, so won't be able to be compared to those playing Super Rugby. Has the best long-range kicking game, and is a certainty to hold his spot in the squad.
Rieko Ioane - The incumbent centre has split opinions for the ABs, and a lacklustre start to the Super Rugby season won't be helping his case. You wonder whether a rumoured sabbatical would have been a good option for him too. On current form, could he struggle to make the squad?
Anton Lienert-Brown - Another who split opinions, the incumbent bench option had some decent showings last year, but hardly enough to nail his spot. Looks good in a good Chiefs backline, but has equally been outshone by others. Should be under-pressure.
David Havili - Give me strength. Should be nowhere near it - Next.
Billy Proctor - Impressed in limited chances for the ABs last year. Has a big chance to show his quality if he returns to a struggling Canes side. Due back in the next couple of weeks if the positive reports are to be believed, though conflicting reports suggest it could be much longer, which would derail an ABs push.
The NZ EOYT Boys
Quinn Tupaea - Just three rounds in, but he has started the year like a house on fire, and looks back to his best - if not even better than his previous level. On current form, he walks back into the ABs squad, and has serious claims to start.
Riley Higgins - Due back in a few weeks, and will have ground to make up. Was tipped to be the big mover this year, but his own injuries and his team's struggling form may mean he has to wait for the time being, but with a good run over the second half of the season, it could be the case of performing at the right time.
AJ Lam - Has been ineffectual for the Blues through the first three rounds. A good player, but probably one who has looked slightly better than he is because of the quality around him. Unless he can prove otherwise, his All Blacks chances seem slim.
Dallas McLeod - Benched for the first two for the Crusaders, but likely to start this week. With a big season, the current coaching group will have him in mind. Certainly showed he has the attributes for Canterbury, and was picked by the last coaching group for good reason. One to watch.
The Chasing Pack
Timoci Tavatavanawai - Easily the biggest mover over the first three rounds, after making what seems to be a full-time switch to the midfield. A tougher outing versus Moana Pasifika, but still beat several defenders and won three turnovers. May not be the man to start at 12, but he looks a very enticing bench option.
Brayden Ennor - Don't forget about Ennor. If he can put a run of games together, he might be the smartest centre in the country, or at the very least one of the better distributors. Seems to be the wrong age profile though, and can't stay fit.
Peter Umaga-Jensen - Seems a longshot, but was capped by the All Blacks for a reason. Midfield injuries are presenting him a chance to have a genuine run of games. A return to black does look highly unlikely that said.
The Could be Worth a Look if Bizarre things Occur
Tanielu Tele'a - Looking good in an improved Highlanders team. Nowhere near All Black quality as things stand, but might be in the frame for the NZ XV
Corey Evans/Xavi Taele/Zarn Sullivan - Would suggest any of these guys are All Blacks this year, but the way things going, someone else is going to get a chance in the Blues midfield at some point, and if they spark a turnaround in form, they will always be in the international conversation.