The new caps in the All Blacks deserve their positions although I think there probably could have been three or four more.

Young winger/fullback Ben Smith from Otago was the real bolter for me. I didn't see too much of him through the season so his pick was something of a surprise.

But it was definitely a good call to pick first five-eighths Mike Delany from the Bay of Plenty. He has played well this season and is probably the form pivot in New Zealand.

And there's no doubt Hawke's Bay winger Zac Guildford earned his selection due to a great season for his team and the New Zealand Under-20's.

There were a couple of candidates for places on the tour who I thought were exceptionally unlucky not to get a seat on the plane.

I would have liked to see Robbie Robinson from Southland get a chance at fullback and Manawatu's Aaron Cruden had a great season too.

It would have been nice to see Graham Henry and co put a few of the young ones out there for the experience because many of the older players are looking a bit tired at this stage of the season.

And with both Wales and England looking at putting out sub-standard teams for these games (due to high injury tolls and because Welsh players playing in England will not be released from their clubs) it would have been an opportune time to blood the new players.

England have some depth, but the non-release of Welsh players will certainly leave a big hole in some positions for Warren Gatland.

The game in Italy will be a toughie, I think. As we saw in the All Blacks' winter of discontent earlier this season the Azzurri are getting better all the time.

The French? Well you can never under estimate them. Whomever they pick it will be a tough game.

And the atmosphere in Marseille will be daunting for our All Blacks again - especially with the memory of losing the series and the Dave Gallaher Shield a few months ago.

Let's all hope that the rotational changes made within the coaching staff can bring something new to our team!

The last leg of the Bledisloe will be exciting with Robbie Deans under the mallet to win and the Japanese looking to put on a great show.

The Kiwi boys will front but I hope they are well prepared. This is not a great place to lose their mana as the Japanese hold us in high regards within their rugby fraternity.

It's shaping up as a classic.

Go the All Blacks!