Will TJ Perenara make the All Blacks' RWC 2015 squad as a back-up scrum-half? © Getty Images

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New Zealand have just six seats free on the plane to the Rugby World Cup if the All Blacks remain injury-free in 2015, with Steve Hansen saying he already has 25 names pencilled in for his 31-man squad to be named in late August to pursue a second consecutive title.

"The other six will be difficult," Hansen said ahead of the tour-ending win over Wales at Cardiff.

Hansen is happy with the quality and depth of players at his disposal, which has created contention in some positions, but "there's bound to be somebody get injured, maybe two or three".

"So we've just got to keep working with the 42 or even 50 people that are out there that we need to be in really good shape," Hansen said.

Super Rugby form will be crucial for fringe contenders, as the All Blacks play just five Tests next year before the Rugby World Cup.

"It'll become obvious who 29 of those people are around early August, and the other positions will be about who's right for the team," Hansen said. "If everyone's fit and available, there will be some good players who are going to miss out."

The requirement to name three half-backs and three hookers in a squad means some big names may miss out, with seasoned fullback Israel Dagg perhaps under threat with Hansen reluctant to select too many outside backs.

Hansen is likely to bank on versatile players closer to the action to cover fullback or wing. Sonny Bill Williams' return casts doubt on the need for other midfield specialists beyond Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith, while Colin Slade's impact as a late tour call-up enhanced his chances. At half-back, the only question surrounds who backs up Aaron Smith.

The sixth loose forward seems to be a straight shootout between Victor Vito and Steven Luatua, although they could both miss out if Hansen decides that athletic lock Patrick Tuipulotu can cover the loose.

And one established prop will have to make way once Tony Woodcock returns from his long-standing shoulder injury.

Hansen says tactics and attitude will be more important than selection minutiae.

"Everybody that rocks up to the World Cup, if they've got their formula right ... then they can win," he said. "It's been proven time and again that you don't have to be the top dog to win it, you just have to be the right dog. We should have won in 2007, but we weren't the right dog because we didn't turn up with the right attitude. We made excuses, but the reality is we came expecting to win."

New Zealand kick off their Cup campaign against Argentina at Wembley Stadium in London on September 20.

Possible All Blacks' World Cup Squad

Backs: Ben Smith, Charles Piutau, Cory Jane, Julian Savea, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Dan Carter, Aaron Cruden, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Andy Ellis.

Forwards: Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Sam Cane, Liam Messam, Jerome Kaino, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Jeremy Thrush, Owen Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Tony Woodcock, Wyatt Crockett, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Keven Mealamu, Nathan Harris.

Which players would you pick if you were an All Blacks selector? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below?