KEY POINTS:
MARSEILLE - An untried locking blend of Ali Williams and James Ryan has been dropped into a very experienced All Black pack for the opening skirmish of their twin duels with France on Sunday in Lyon.
There's more than a hint of psychology about the All Black selection, with the rookie lock pairing the only variation from the pack that derailed France so comprehensively, 45-6, in Paris two years ago.
That result was huge for the confidence of the developing All Blacks - players such as loosehead prop Tony Woodcock, who was in only his sixth test, and No 8 Rodney So'oialo.
France were humiliated by the rampant All Blacks that night and it took them some time to recover.
They are the reigning Six Nations champions and the All Blacks, in their own way, have challenged French coach Bernard Laporte and his squad for proof of that calibre.
France have not played the All Blacks since that 2004 shellacking and the anxiety of that heavy-duty defeat still follows the Tricolores as they prepare to host this Armistice Day test.
Ryan joins centre Conrad Smith on test duty for the first time this season after serious injuries during the Super 14 blighted the progress they had made on last year's Grand Slam tour.
First five-eighths Nick Evans has been unable to claim the same reward because of continuing problems with his damaged hamstring.
It has been a decent wait for Smith to claim the centre jersey, a role he looked certain to inherit after Tana Umaga's decision to retire from All Black rugby. Instead, the 25-year-old Smith had to watch Ma'a Nonu, Casey Laulala, Isaia Toeava and Mils Muliaina tried at centre while he recovered from a broken leg.
The All Black selectors have made 10 changes from the side that started in the 41-20 victory against England.
The only survivors are Woodcock, Carl Hayman, captain Richie McCaw, Daniel Carter and Joe Rokocoko.
Whether the novice test combo of Williams and Ryan was in the original plan is unclear because senior lock Chris Jack pulled up sore after the weekend.
Midfielder Aaron Mauger was also complaining about a puffy knee, and prop Neemia Tialata had to be assessed later in the week for his variety of leg ailments. His fitness will decide the formation of the reserves.
Utility back Luke McAlister has been passed fit after some shoulder concerns and fullback Leon MacDonald has recovered from his knee problem.
But the acid is on Williams, who has gathered loads of experience in 37 tests, to help guide his younger partner through what is being billed as a monumental exam for the All Blacks.
Since making his debut in 2002, Williams has never really cemented his test place alongside Jack, and the challenges are now increasing with Keith Robinson, Jason Eaton and Ryan demanding their regular inclusion.
The widespread changes were forecast by coach Graham Henry when he spoke about the difficulties of player recovery in the six-day gap between Twickenham and Lyon.
The side also had to endure lengthy delays which are standard practice these days for air travel in Europe. The All Blacks flew to Marseille yesterday where they will stay for a few days until they shift north to Lyon.
Marseille will be one of the team's World Cup bases next year and the coaching staff wanted the squad to familiarise themselves with those surroundings.
* Jonah Lomu has been linked with a move to the fledgling Melbourne team in next year's Australian third-tier national rugby union competition.
Sydney's Daily Telegraph has been told the former All Black's sponsorship deals require him to continue playing rugby - a condition that forced him to abandon thoughts of joining the National Rugby League club the Gold Coast Titans.
Overseas sources close to one of his sponsors have indicated the Melbourne side to play in the inaugural three-month eight-team national championship may be his next target.
All Blacks:
Leon MacDonald, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, James Ryan, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Tony Woodcock.
Reserves: to be named.
