Facing Dupont and the French Threat: All Blacks Ready for the ...

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said that despite playing changes, France's strengths remained the same.

"They like to play down your end of the field, and once they get rolling and offloading and go through you, they're very hard to stop.

"They are a very instinctive team. They've got a balance of French flair and high discipline, and some stars that can punish you with their feet. We're aware of all their strengths."

Robertson said playing for the Dave Gallaher Trophy added to the preparation for the game. The trophy meant a lot to the team.

"It's a lot of heritage, there's a lot of history and it's someone who volunteered so much for our country. We've touched on that this week. It's been a while since we've had a result here and that shows the enormity of what it means for both teams. It's a big occasion."

Robertson said halfback Cam Roigard had impressed since his return from injury and regained the starting spot ahead of Cortez Ratima.

"He's taken his opportunities and we believe this is the match for him; just with the game management, the kicking. There'll be a fair bit of kicking if the match goes to plan for both teams."

Sam Cane's unavailability has seen Ardie Savea move to the openside flank role, and Robertson said he wasn't concerned he hadn't started in the position for three years for the All Blacks.

"He's played there for Kobe all season, and he's finished a few Tests for us there. He'll slot straight into it and Wallace [Sititi] is into No8, his preferred position and it's a good little combo with Samipeni [Finau on the blindside flank]. Circumstances have led to this and it's something we've looked at for this year."

Being able to play in more than one position was something familiar in rugby now, with first five-eighths playing fullback and midfield backs playing on the wing.

"You've got to play two positions if you want to be an All Black."

The loose trio would also bring speed.

"That's one thing Ardie brings. He's very quick and he gets some opportunities on the ball and in and around the lineout. There's some really good athletes in those three positions."

Coping with France halfback Antoine Dupont's influence is never far away when discussing prospects when playing the French.

"We know how much influence he has on the game. He's a master tactician; Stade de France is a place where he's played some incredible rugby and won a [Olympic] gold medal.

"We're aware of his brilliance and look forward to playing him, he's special."

Choosing Beauden Barrett for first five-eighths ahead of Damian McKenzie was tough.

"It's a great discussion when you've got two 10s in form, and both are good tacticians and kick well.

"One thing about D.Mac is he's probably the best off the bench, we believe in the world, and as well when he comes on he can change the game, and now he's doing that as a starter."

It was similar for hooker Asafo Aumua who, like McKenzie, played probably the best Test of his career against Ireland.

"Because Asafo got on for Codie so early in the English match, it gave him a lot of confidence, and he could nearly go the distance in that match. And even after making an error [against Ireland], there's growth in Asafo's ability to back it up and trust himself. So, either could start."

Prop Ethan de Groot has been left out again.

"It's difficult not to play Ethan de Groot, but the other two [Tamaiti Williams and Ofa Tu'ungafasi] are playing great footy, it's as simple as that. Ethan's done everything he can. He's been exceptional off the field and owned the situation he's in, and we've gone for performance."

Robertson said lock Patrick Tuipulotu would come off the bench to achieve 50 Test caps.

He provided locking competition in the squad and was a great professional.

"He's getting better with age but, probably the biggest thing for us is his leadership and the mana in the group is so high and he's performed every time he's had the opportunity this year, so we're really pleased for him."