Rugby-New Zealand position-by-position

May 29 (Reuters) - New Zealand play the British and Irish Lions in a three-test series starting next month. Following is a factbox on the likely contenders for each spot in the All Blacks team: FULLBACK Ben Smith is superb under the high ball, dangerous on the counter and has an uncanny ability to break tackles and make ground. Israel Dagg is equally adept but with a bigger boot and proved a capable winger last year. The pair are now virtually interchangeable in the number 15 and 14 jerseys. The versatile Jordie Barrett is looming as the bolter in the squad, especially as his goalkicking is more accurate than that of his older brother, flyhalf Beauden. WINGERS Julian Savea is the first-choice left winger and, after several seasons of struggling with his weight, is fitter and leaner this year. Nehe Milner-Skudder would provide the 'X-factor' with his ability to beat defenders but after a year out with a shoulder injury he then suffered a broken foot and has been unseen since March. That opens the door for the dynamic Waisake Naholo to challenge Dagg or Smith for the right-wing spot. CENTRES Ryan Crotty is likely to get the starting nod at inside centre. He does everything well with minimal fuss and organises the defence. He is likely to link up with the composed Anton Lienert-Brown, who played nine tests last year and has passed the enigmatic Malakai Fekitoa in the pecking order. Sonny Bill Williams could have a massive impact but probably off the bench while George Moala and Rieko Ioane could also feature. FLYHALF Beauden Barrett's blistering pace can beat fringe defence from the set-piece and expose gaps in broken play, while his kicking stretches the opposition. The only concern is his goalkicking. Aaron Cruden is a known quantity and should hold off the challenge of Lima Sopoaga for a place in the matchday squad, while the exhilirating Damian McKenzie could get a call-up for his versatility. SCRUMHALF Aaron Smith was described by Warren Gatland as the best player in the world last year but his confidence took a hit after he was caught in a toilet tryst with a woman at Christchurch airport, giving TJ Perenara the starting spot. Smith's pass offers the backline more time, while the bigger Perenara is a better defender and runs the best support lines in New Zealand, and his pass looks crisper this year. NUMBER EIGHT Captain Kieran Read remains the preeminent number eight in the world with his workrate, defence around the fringes, ability to get wide and contributions at lineouts and kickoffs. He has barely played this year, though, after recovering from wrist surgery then breaking his thumb. Liam Squire, a strong ball carrier and bruising defender, looms as his long-term successor. Squire has also broken a thumb and could be short of match time. OPENSIDE FLANKER Sam Cane was groomed early by coach Steve Hansen to fill the gap left by Richie McCaw and has repaid that faith. Like McCaw, Cane quietly goes about his job at the breakdown, in defence and with the ball in hand. Could be named captain if Read does not recover in time. Ardie Savea, who has also played well at number eight in Super Rugby this season, is likely to be named on the bench while the consistent Matt Todd should also feature. BLINDSIDE FLANKER Ironman Jerome Kaino, who underwent knee surgery in late April that will keep him out for six weeks, remains the first-choice number six because of his impressive defensive work and devastating ball carrying, particularly in wide channels. Elliot Dixon failed to capitalise on his test chances last year and has been passed by Squire, who is probably the understudy for both Read and Kaino. The athletic Steven Luatua could be in the mix despite annoying Hansen by signing for Bristol. LOCKS Brodie Retallick and Sam Whitelock are arguably the best combination in the world. Retallick has a massive engine, hits rucks with force and relishes the physical confrontations. Whitelock is just as rugged, steals more than his share of opposition ball and has developed into a potential captain. Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Romano are big ball-carriers and get over the line. Scott Barrett impressed in four tests last year and can also play flanker. TIGHTHEAD PROP The powerful Owen Franks continues to hold onto the number three jersey after 90 tests. He is rarely bettered in the scrum, moves bodies at the breakdown and his handling skills are still improving. Charlie Faumuina is more mobile and has better hands but has been preferred as an impact player off the bench. HOOKER Dane Coles' pace and ball-handling skills make him arguably the best hooker in the world. Had troubles with his lineout targets earlier in his career but is now more accurate. Knee and calf injuries and a concussion have kept him out for much of the season and that remains a concern. Codie Taylor has a similar skillset but is not as quick. Liam Coltman, Nathan Harris and James Parsons are likely to battle for the third spot. LOOSEHEAD PROP Joe Moody went from missing the original squad to starting the 2015 World Cup final. A former wrestler, he is immensely strong and destructive at the scrum but can fall foul of referees. Has a good pair of hands and forms a formidable 1-2 punch with Wyatt Crockett coming off the bench. Crockett is more mobile, a better passer and a strong scrummager but can struggle against shorter props who get underneath him, drive him up or force him to angle inwards. (Reporting by Greg Stutchbury; Editing by Peter Rutherford)