My two bobs on this very excellent thread.
Long range call, but I won't be surprised if Beauden Barrett is the next long term first five replacing Carter. Slade, Cruden and Weepu may fight each other and then Barrett will skate past and establish himself. Of course Tyler Bleyendaal will hope it is him though.
Barrett is 20 now so probably best placed age wise to take over from Carter who will probably go at least another 2 years but probably try and make 2015.
9 is a problem for AB's (as far as problems go...) as they have not had a standout for some time - chopping and changing with Leonard, Weepu, Ellis, Cowan and so on. Not sure I see that ending soon either although Kerr-Barlow may change that.
In terms of 7, I think this will be the most interesting. Hasn't Richie signed for another 4 years with NZRU. Can't see him not wanting to AB's for that time so he will probably play tests for at least another 2 years. Matt Todd currently appears the obvious successor and I believe there is some talk that richie will switch to 6 for the Cru as he slows down a bit which frees up Todd to play 7 - BUT, can we really see richie displacing Kaino for AB's?? I can't but he may be untouchable. Very interesting!
I agree 2 is probably the most "who knows" but one thing is for certain, NZ has a knack of finding an abolsutely world class option every time some one great departs. Who would of thought after Michael Jones and Josh Kronfeld, we would see Richie McCaw. who would of thought after Grant Fox and Andrew Mehrtens we would see Dan Carter. Richard Loe, Carl Hayman, Owen Franks. Cullen, Muliaina, Dagg and so the list goes on. All arguably best in world in their time and all on lists to consider for all time (concede dagg and Franks are a bit young of course - excuse my hyperbole!). Anyway, I think you see what I mean...
Oh for the NZ depth....