NZ preparation for Rio Sevens looking comprehensive

The difficulty of the logistical balancing act - of trying to not disadvantage Super Rugby squads who lose players to Sevens and protecting the All Blacks is significant.

Agreement was reached some time ago to put positional and franchise quotas in place. The All Blacks have asked that they don't lose more than one player from each position while the guideline is no more than two players from each franchise.

Exceptions will be made but not at first-five where the All Blacks will already be stretched after the departures of Carter, Slade and Tom Taylor.

All Black coach Steve Hansen insisted only one No 10 could be in the mix for Rio and Sevens coach Gordon Tietjens made it clear Barrett was his preferred choice - hence the announcement by Aaron Cruden earlier this year that he would not be sticking his hand up.

Super Rugby teams are waiting to learn more of the detail about how they will be compensated for players they lose.

Each player approached about playing Sevens was categorised 'A' or 'B'.

The former are players who may have previous experience, or are considered to have the necessary conditioning and skills to make the transition relatively easily and therefore will only need to play in two tournaments to prove their readiness.

The 'B' players will have to make a longer commitment to Sevens - and play more tournaments in the World Series which starts in December this year.