If it's happening surely it's after the Intercontinental playoffs finish? Is after all now only about 5 weeks away.
Compared to the situation at same stage in 2013, prior to the playoff games via Mexico, AWs are in a much much better place. There won't be any crazy last minute panic selections like Jeremy Christie, highly unlikely that any kids will make their debuts in these huge pressure games like I think both Tuiloma and Roux did in 2013???, and they have had the benefit of prior hard games at the Confeds Cup unlike 2013.
So compared to Herbert's regime in 2013, Hudson and Co have the AWs in a pretty good place. A squad of mostly experienced players that I'd guess have nearly all played 10 international games +, and AH can't really be criticised for not searching hard to uncover international quality players last few years, with over 50 selections made. Given NZs shallow talent pool pretty happy with his current squad bar no Boyd and Gleeson, which is another story.
Anyway I'll be giving AWs and Hudson my support, and his AWs legacy will be judged in the next month. Pretty sure he will gone after that, unless by the mother of all miracles AWs get through to Russia 2018.