Ben Smith

Smith tweaked a hamstring at training on Thursday and wasn't risked, leaving him to sit on the sideline at Forsyth Barr Stadium and watch his team nab a bonus point win against the winless Rebels. 

Smith's injury isn't serious - he could return to play the Blues at home next Saturday night - and meant Matt Faddes started at fullback and Tei Walden shuffled into the match-day 23.  

Up 20-0 with only 25 minutes on the clock against a lethargic and error riddled outfit from Melbourne, the game was as good as over. 

Now there is a very real possibility two of those three high-profile stars will leave these shores by the end of this year.

It is enough to make the All Blacks coach sit up in his summer deckchair. Should that scenario eventuate, it would again create cause for concern around the vulnerability of elite New Zealand players.

Where previously NZ Rugby have been "quietly confident" of keeping the likes of All Blacks captain Kieran Read, Owen Franks and Beauden Barrett, when it comes to Smith indications are his decision remains very much "in the balance".

RNZ reports the union has tabled its final deals for Ben Smith, Israel Dagg and Aaron Cruden, and says it will give them the time they need to make a decision.

The trio's contracts end after the British and Irish Lions tour in June and all three have received lucrative offers to join French clubs.

While conceding New Zealand Rugby would never be able to match the big money bids from overseas, NZR chief executive Steve Tew said they had done all they could to retain the services of the three key backs.