By Bryn Palmer

Howlett and Rokocoko have scored 61 tries between them for NZ

All Blacks wings Doug Howlett and Joe Rokocoko face a twin threat to their places ahead of the Lions Test series.

The superb Super 12 form of Crusaders' Rico Gear and Hurricanes' Ma'a Nonu has put both players under pressure.

"Howlett and Rokocoko are going to have to be at the top of their games to stay in the side," All Blacks legend Zinzan Brooke told BBC Sport.

"If you were picking on form, one of them wouldn't make the team. You would have to go with Gear and one other."

Gear scored two tries in a 40-20 victory over the Hurricanes on Friday to bring his Super 12 tally for the season to 14, a New Zealand record.

"It is funny how a player performs better when he gets in the right environment," Brooke added.

It was great to be back on the field Richie McCaw returns to action

"He was with the Auckland Blues last year and things didn't go quite right and he was left on the bench.

"Now he has moved camp to the Crusaders, he is in the starting team and he has been an absolute star this year.

"Nonu is also playing outstandingly well for the Hurricanes so it is going to be very interesting to see what happens.

"These two guys are really sticking their hands up to face the Lions. Howlett and Rokocoko are not out of form, but they are under pressure."

Rokocoko put Howlett over for a try for the Blues in their final-round match against New South Wales, but a 25-20 defeat saw Auckland exit the competition.

Oliver race to face Lions

The Crusaders and Waratahs finished level on points at the top of the table to both earn home semi-finals.

The Crusaders' victory also saw the return of All Blacks flanker Richie McCaw after five weeks out following concussion.

"I was blowing a bit but it was great to be back on the field," McCaw said.