i honestly don't think the Nonu/Smith combo is going to make the next world cup, Nonu is lucky to have a spot right now. Smith has had a long run of head injuries and has a break from rugby coming up and in a couple months he will be 32
Renee Ranger was a clear and obvious choice, it's crazy how he matured this year. But hes gone for now, you can bet that Hansen & Co. will keep in close contact with Ranger and bring him back first chance he gets.
Pretty gutted Ellison has left as well, very very classy player. Would have been a more than solid test performer if needed.
Other options Currently:
Saili - very good player, Lets face it he just needs a bit more experience at the top level otherwise he could take over from Nonu Tomorrow. Done more good stuff in some games than Nonu has done all season in Super Rugby.
Jackson Willison - Doesn't have all out x-factor but has a slick passing and running game and is arguably one of if not the best defensive 12 around. I think he even made 20 tackles in a game recently. That's a McCaw/Cane like workload on defense for a 12?
Aki - Been a very good defender and impact player for the chiefs, probably has not quite done enough but he is also very young.
TNW - awesome skills and attacking threat. shows heart on defense but not really the type of player that will help win us a world cup. As good as he is I don't think he will be an All Black. He has a halfbacks build, with his build and skill set he would be better off and could go further playing 9 or even 10.
Charlie Ngatai - I think he's starting to Mature, seemed to make the 13 jersey his own at the chiefs later in the season and actually did very well. I'd like to see him be a bit more physical on defense and work on an offload game, hit the gym a bit more.
Horrell - This guy is one of those Naturally gifted players, I honestly think he could play for the All Blacks tomorrow and he would not look out of place. If he keeps developing it will get to the point where he will demand selection.
Ryan Crotty - unlucky not to be i the current squad, fact is if he did not throw that intercept pass against the chiefs then he probably would be in the squad right now.
Robbie Fruen - Much respect to this guy, he's a battler. But I dont think he is All Black Material. hard to imagine him coming back from his 2nd heart operation better than ever sadly. His best option now would be to Cash out in Japan for a few seasons and bank.
Ben Smith - could play 12 or 13 for the All Blacks tomorrow and probably be better than Nonu or Smith. But he's also our best option at 14 right now so I'd rather see someone else - a young player used/developed.
Sean Treeby - not a serious option right now but showed some spark this year and a few passes that suggest his game is developing. Will see a lot of him in ITM cup and Next year for the highlanders with Nonu Gone.
Phil Burleigh - Bit of a surprise package, went from a training squad member of the chiefs to a key man for the highlanders. Probably under utilized by them this year with Nonu and Ellison ahead of him - not really in the frame yet.
Jason Emery - very skilled young player to watch for next year.
Wildcard players
SBW - chances are he will be back in NZ rugby before the next world cup. Renee seems convinced that he will be at the chiefs next year. Tew is also very +ve about it.
Richard Kahui - I think he's the best center or winger in the world when he's not injured. He is in a rare group of players like McCaw and Carter that perform consistently well and stand out at test level, sadly he has had one of the worst injury runs ever full stop. If he comes through two seasons in Japan injury free he will be a huge asset when he comes back.
Renee Ranger - ranger wants to be here, he made a mistake signing for France and I expect him to be back as soon as his two seasons are up.
Dan Carter - with the rise of Cruden, Carter is going to come under more pressure. An option is to have Cruden at 10 and Carter at 12 and in the current squad Carter is the main backup for 12 if Nonu is injured and the fact Barrett is in the squad as a 3rd 10 also suggests Carters future may have the 12 jersey in it more often.