For 15 years the debate over who to pick in the All Blacks no. 7 shirt was non-existent.
But with Richie McCaw well out of the picture, who starts at openside has fast become a three-way battle.
Matt Todd's standout performance a fortnight ago has put the heat on the returning Sam Cane and the impressive Ardie Savea.
Halloween is in full swing in Chicago, but there are no nightmares across town in the All Blacks camp - more like the selection challenges coaches dreams of.
Three quality opensides compete for the seven jersey on this tour - Sam Cane, Matt Todd and Ardie Savea.
"It's a good thing," said Savea.
"When each one of us play well it pushes us to try and perform better. We really help each other out."
Coach Steve Hansen has said Savea's good enough to start but probably serves the team best off the bench right now.
The 23-year-old admits he's far from the finished product.
"Around the breakdown," says Savea in reference to his 'work ons'.
"Obviously with my weight getting heavier that will help me physically. Mainly around the breakdown and clearing bodies and being strong over the ball."
But that's easier said than done for Savea.
Adding bulk to his 100 kilogram 188 centimetre frame is a challenge.
"Somehow I eat so much and still say the same, but I'm working on it."
The Irish aren't quite as blessed with star flanker Sean O'Brien deemed not yet fit enough to terrorise the All Blacks again.
"Sean O'Brien was the spearhead of their physicality and the way they're contesting our breakdown," notes Jerome Kaino.
"I'm sure whoever they throw into those positions will step up."
It may mean that whoever wears seven for New Zealand might get a few less frights at the breakdown on Sunday.
Newshub.