Yeah you're right about that, the props I believe is going to be a tough decision. You also had Ben May playing well before his injury and you have a well respected player in Neemie Tialata with AB history who will do the job even if he is on the decline. I personally love Jamie Mackintosh but darwin_23 is right with his diversity in the front row. Graham Henry has usually gone with the four you said and I don't really see why he wouldn't now.
Chris Jack luckily gets a start this week to press a substantial WC claim, however from now on I don't think he will be chosen on his form but his experience. If it was chosen on form you would have to put Hoeata or Bekhuis in. I love Anthony Boric though.
Messam for me is too erratic and even if you get great stability with McCaw and Read, Messam's form is so bipolar. He's had some real blinders this year but has also had some shockers, at some instances Scott Waldrom has played better than him. I would take Victor Vito as the number 8 cover because he was fourth in the pecking order for most of the Autumn internationals and his form hasn't warranted a drop, his form is actually very high.
I've always rated Donald but when he puts that Black jersey on. He. Is. Shocking. I'll never forgive him for his contribution in the dying stages in the final Tri-nations game against Australia. Even though Fitzpatrick is starting in Wellington, Cruden hasn't had a bad past 2 weeks and although I think he is constantly not living up to expectation Graham Henry will somehow see a place in his squad for him. Sigh.
I honestly don't think Kahui will make it, he had such a horrible season last year and has only recently come back from injury. Jarrad Payne is in much better form, Robbie Fruean is setting Super Rugby alight and you could even try and fit Kendrick Lynn in there who is an under rated player. If you were really mad and a betting person, Tana Umaga might get a spot
