Some players are certain starters, but head coach Graham Henry still has some decisions to make in key positions before finalising his side for the first Test in Christchurch.

All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke gives his view on how the current crop are likely to line up on 25 June.

Full-back
The excellent Mils Muliaina, one of the most dangerous runners in world rugby, seems favourite but Henry may consider a change.

Injury prevented Muliaina turning out at centre in the recent All Blacks trial, and the inclusion of Leon MacDonald, who starred in the Maori win over the Lions, could see a switch.

Zinzan: "I like the look of Muliaina at centre, and MacDonald offers more of a kicking game."

Wing
Doug Howlett, who can also play full-back, has seen his place come under threat from Crusaders wing Rico Gear, scorer of 15 Super 12 tries this year.

But the Auckland speedster offers proven finishing ability, as 34 tries in his 45 Tests indicate, and looked sharp enough in collecting a brace against Fiji.

Zinzan: "I think they will go with one experienced, and one inexperienced, wing. Howlett will get the nod but Dougy needs to perform because Gear is on his shoulder."

Outside centre
Perhaps the most intriguing position, with as many as four contenders, but captain Tana Umaga remains favourite after a strong outing against Fiji.

Should Umaga play at inside or outside centre? If he starts at 12, either Wellington team-mate Conrad Smith or Muliaina could be at 13, with Ma'a Nonu the outsider.

Zinzan: "I am still not convinced about Umaga. I think he has lost a bit of pace. I would play him at 12 with Muliaina or Smith outside him. Nonu plays too many 50/50 balls."

Inside centre
The cultured Aaron Mauger started against Fiji and provides a potent kicking game from hand alongside fly-half Daniel Carter.

Mauger has not always produced it in the biggest games, though, and may have to settle for a bench spot if Graham Henry opts for a more direct approach.

Zinzan: "I would have Mauger on the bench, with Umaga at second five-eighth (inside centre)."

Wing
After making the squad ahead of his cousin Joe Rokocoko, Fijian-born sensation Sitiveni Sivivatu is set to be unleashed on the Lions.

He warmed up by scoring four tries on his Test debut in the 91-0 rout of his native country, while Nonu, nominally a centre, also shone on the left wing in the Super 12.

Zinzan: "I can't see them not starting with Sivivatu now. It'll be interesting to see how the Lions handle him."

Fly-half
No contest. Graham Henry has such faith in Daniel Carter he does not even feel the need for a back-up number 10 or another recognised goalkicker.

Carter's current pre-eminence is not in doubt, but a few New Zealanders have pondered the wisdom of not having the experienced Andrew Mehrtens in reserve.

Zinzan: "Carter's the man, with Mauger providing cover, although his goalkicking is not in the same class."

Scrum-half
An intriguing choice with two perennial rivals battling it out for the jersey; the busy Byron Kelleher, who started against Fiji, is favoured to get the nod.

But the experienced Justin Marshall has been playing some of the best rugby of his career, and is keen to bow out on a high before moving to England with Leeds.

Zinzan: "I think they'll go with Kelleher. His service is a bit sharper and they'll be looking to get the backs going."

Loose-head prop
Tony Woodcock is the man in possession after establishing himself on the All Blacks' European tour last November.

The other option is the versatile Greg Somerville, normally a tight-head, with the emerging Campbell Johnstone, who made his Test debut as a replacement against Fiji, the outsider.

Zinzan: "I think Woodcock is the one guy who can stand up against Julian White at scrum-time."

Hooker
Anton Oliver's continuing problems with a calf injury means Henry's first choice will not be available for the Christchurch Test.

In the absence of the former captain, the mobile Keven Mealamu is likely to start, unless Henry opts to replace like-for-like with the more bulkier Derren Whitcombe.

Zinzan: "I'd say they'll probably go for Mealamu's greater experience at this stage."

Tight-head prop
Carl Hayman is thought to be the strongest scrummager in New Zealand, but Andrew Sheridan more than matched him against the Maori.

Greg Somerville, who was in superb form for the Crusaders in the Super 12, also offers a reassuringly solid option for Henry.

Zinzan: "I think Hayman will get the nod, with Somerville ready to come off the bench later in the game."

Second row
Despite being left on the bench against Fiji, Chris Jack is the outstanding lock in New Zealand and will certainly start in Christchurch.

A world-class operator at the line-out and a powerful runner with ball in hand, he is one of the All Blacks' key players.

Zinzan: "Jack is a quality player who can handle himself and take charge of the line-out."

Second row
The contest for the spot alongside Jack lies between Ali Williams and the newcomer James Ryan, who played together against Fiji.

Ryan impressed with his dynamism and handling skills on his Test debut but remains a novice at the highest level, while the athletic Williams has had discipline problems in the past.

Zinzan: "I wouldn't worry about throwing Ryan in at the deep end. If they keep it simple and don't put too much on his plate, he can grow with confidence."

Blind-side flanker
Former Wellington bin-man Jerry Collins was in menacingly good nick against Fiji, cutting down opponents with his trademark thundering tackles.

With his new peroxide blond hair, he will relish meting out similar treatment to the Lions, with powerful Waikato Chiefs flanker Sione Lauaki also in the squad.

Zinzan: "Lauaki's a big runner who takes a lot of stopping. He could come off the bench at six or eight."

Open-side flanker
Acknowledged as the world's best in his position, Richie McCaw is the one player the All Blacks would not swap for anyone else.

But Graham Henry raised a few eyebrows by not including any specialist cover in the squad, with Marty Holah missing out despite a starring role for the Maori.

Zinzan: "I think Holah is a bit unlucky not to be included after a big game the other day. Let's hope McCaw stays healthy."

Number eight
A wonderful footballer with superb running and handling skills, Wellington's Rodney So'oialo is a dynamic presence at the base of the scrum.

Mobile enough to cover open-side too, the only question remains whether he can slug it out it when the going gets tough. Canterbury's Mose Tuiali'i is the alternative.

Zinzan: "I think Tuiali'i is quite lucky to be there. Jono Gibbes was another who had a big game the other day for the Maori and he deserves a look-in."

Zinny's All Blacks team: MacDonald; Howlett, Muliaina, Umaga, Sivivatu; Carter, Kelleher; Woodcock, Mealamu, Hayman, Jack, Ryan, Collins, McCaw, So'oailo.
Likely replacements: Whitcombe, Somerville, Williams, Lauaki, Marshall, Smith, Gear.