OPINION: With the Lions set to arrive in just five days, the cream has seemingly risen to the top since last picking our All Blacks matchday 23 on form, particularly in the forward pack.
Unsurprisingly, with their 12 from 12 record to date in 2017, the team is extremely Crusaders heavy, although there are a few other outstanding players that have slotted in.
Forwards
Both front and the second rows are pretty much self-explanatory. The Crusaders front row has been absolutely bossing it and is impossible to overlook. Subsequently, Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks get the call up with Moody the only addition to our previous matchday 23.
At the back, Steven Luatua's form could no longer be overlooked while Jordan Taufua is another addition to the squad, running things at the back of the scrum for the Crusaders. Despite missing last week, Matt Todd gets the nod again.
On the bench, James Parsons' form for the Blues gets him a look-in while Ben May and Wyatt Crockett are again rewarded for their rich form.
Halves
Form from the halves in the last month have made this decision a lot easier than previously with Aaron Smith finally showing us the form that got him to the top for the last three years. In 10, Richie Mo'unga's dominance at the Crusaders also earns him a call up.
Centres
Ngani Laumape is still one of the best performing centres in New Zealand currently so he starts once again. This time, his Hurricanes teammate Vince Aso gets shuffled in from the bench to form the combination. Sonny Bill Williams first half against the Stormers and the fact he's been influential the in recent games means he comes onto the bench.
Outside backs
The outside backs are where the biggest changes come. Rieko Ioane is shifted from the centres onto the left wing where Julian Savea's been underwhelming of late. Meanwhile, Ben Smith missing the tour of Africa and the fact the Crusaders have been doing so well means David Havili is selected at the back with Waisake Naholo picked on the right wing.
Matt Tewhatu is a digital producer for Newshub.
