New Zealand’s halfbacks can expect to come under the microscope in this year’s Super Rugby as All Blacks coach Steve Hansen looks to finalise the back-ups to Aaron Smith for the World Cup.

Tawera Kerr-Barlow was expected to be in the mix until a serious knee injury last year left him in a race against time to be fit by September.

His Chiefs teammate Augustine Pulu was the benefactor when he was selected for the end of year tour squad alongside Smith and Hurricanes No.9 TJ Perenara.

The 25-year-old came on in the wins against the USA and Scotland and would love nothing more than to be heading back north again later in the year.

“It’s always a dream to go to the World Cup,” Pulu said.

“Every World Cup year is always a really important year so everyone is driving and giving that little bit extra to get a place on that plane.”

The biggest competition for a coveted World Cup spot will come from Perenara, who has yet to totally convince at international level, and former All Blacks Andy Ellis and Jimmy Cowan.

Ellis won’t feature in the early rounds due to his commitments in Japan, but Cowan will battle it out with Bryn Hall and Jamison Gibson-Park for the Blues No.9 jersey.

Pulu won’t concern himself with the form of his rivals or where he sits in Hansen’s pecking order.

“If you spend time worrying about other people you won’t see what you need to work on,” he explained.

“I’ve learned a lot (from the All Blacks tour). It gives me a clear idea of where I’m heading.

“My goals for this year are just trying to play well here (at the Chiefs) and hopefully get a call.”

Pulu is likely to get an early look at Cowan when the Chiefs, who start the season as favourites to win a third title, take on the Blues on Saturday night.

It is the first match in a tough opening month for the Chiefs who then play the Brumbies, Crusaders and Highlanders at home before heading to South Africa.

“It is a big start,” said Pulu.

“But that’s where you want to get those big games at the start so you can measure yourself as a team to see where you are and what’s needed to have that trophy at the end of the year.”