The All Blacks will pack a mighty pack off to Samoa, but the backline is a different story through the loss of established stars to the Super Rugby final.
The backs will include some new test men and combinations and maybe one or two playing out of their true position. The team as a whole will have a batch of players coming off disappointing Super Rugby seasons.
The first test of the year next week will present a unique challenge for the All Blacks, who don't always start the year with a bang. And a New Zealand team's foray to the islands almost ended in defeat to Fiji 40-odd years ago.
