Opinion - Five key All Black talking points

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and selector Grant Fox (Photosport)

OPINION: You would have to be living in a cave to not know that the British & Irish Lions arrive in a little over a month for one of the most anticipated tours since the pride of the home nations started their 12-yearly jaunts to New Zealand.

While there's still the best part of seven weeks until the first Test in Auckland on June 24, injuries and Super Rugby form are setting tongues wagging about the current state of the All Black side.

Here are five key All Black talking points;

1. Kieran Read worries

A paralysis of analysis of the All Black back row variations has indicated that if Kieran Read isn't fit for the first Lions Test, there are plenty of players to slot in for him. But whether he's fit or not, the alternative options are a worry.

If he's fit, he's an All Black captain going into a crucial series with one full game under his belt in seven months.

Kieran Read suffered a thumb injury against the Cheetahs (Supplied: Facebook)

If he's not, starting the alternatives Liam Squire, Elliot Dixon or Ardie Savea at the back of the scrum against an experienced Lions pack is a huge risk. Even if these selection issues are solved, with the potential absence of Jerome Kaino, who steps up in the role as All Black captain?

2. Beauden Barrett still isn't kicking goals

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has previously brushed off doubts over Beauden Barrett's ability to place kick and with Jordie Barrett taking on the duties, it's a non-issue for the Hurricanes.

But adding to the fact he's not kicking, the reality that he'll be handed the black number 10 shirt in a backline that has no established place kickers will certainly be something in the minds of the All Blacks selectors.

Beauden Barrett has handed the kicking duties over to brother Jordie Barrett (Photosport)

The All Blacks win most of their matches through tries and outrageous skill. But the important of kicking conversions and penalties should not be underestimated.

3. Charlie Ngatai's fitness

To suggest that Charlie Ngatai's already in the minds of All Blacks selectors having not played a Super Rugby match for 12 months is a bit of a stretch.

However, he was one of New Zealand's premier midfielders at the time of his injury and if he can collect five full Super Rugby matches under his belt before the international break and one of either the Chiefs or the Maori All Blacks matches against the Lions (on 17 June and 20 June respectively), he could be in the frame.

Charlie Ngatai is back after a 12-month injury layoff

Add the likes of George Moala, Rieko Ioane etc to the picture and it could be one big selection dilemma.

4. Samoa warm-up not ideal

Whilst having one warm-up Test is better than having no warm-up Test, a match against Samoa isn't a particularly ideal match-up. 

In the same sense that cricket teams warm up for tours by playing in similar conditions to that which they'll be facing, the All Blacks would benefit more through a match against a more structured unit known for a tight game style based on rucking and mauling.

The All Blacks played against Northland and Counties Manakau in a game of three halves last year (Photosport)

Commissioning a match against New Zealand province or an All Blacks Barbarians team where they could potentially control the conditions of the match would be more ideal.

5. There's still no sign of Dane Coles

Before his injury, Dane Coles was by far and away the best hooker in the world. But as the saying goes 'you're only as good as your last match' and his last match was seven weeks ago. Fitness in the gym and training on the paddock is all well and good but match fitness is the real key.

Dane Coles has endured a frustrating six weeks on the sideline (Photosport)

With the 30-year-old likely to miss out the next fortnight against the Stormers and the Crusaders, Dane Coles is another All Black that will potentially go into the Lions tour underdone.

Matt Tewhatu is a digital producer for Newshub.

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