View photosKEY POINTS:
This was no test, not in the true sense of the word anyway.
Let's call it what it was - a glorified inter-squad trial. In that context, there were several All Blacks with points to prove.
Not least of all Josevata Rokocoko.
The flying Fijian-born winger, who scores test tries with a strike rate that should put his name among the greats, suffered the ignominy of being unwanted by his Super 14 franchise coach towards the end of the competition.
Last night he regained his swagger. He scored two tries in the first half - the first a classic piece of larceny, the second the result of a touch-rugby sidestep that meant he crossed virtually untouched. Joe is smokin' again.
Not least of all Chris Jack.
Relegated to the bench as the selectors wanted to survey the pairing of Ali Williams and Keith Robinson, a combination many are tipping will be No 1 come October.
Jack needed to make a statement, not least for his own peace of mind. Last week, he was a picture of anonymity.
In the past couple of seasons, his previously flighty locking partner Williams has usurped him in the visibility stakes but last night he was last seen leaving the pitch with blood trickling from his mouth.
The added responsibility clearly suited Jack. One towering take from a restart was a pointed reminder his athletic ability has not dimmed.
Not least of all Anton Oliver.
He has his critics, some of them trenchant. It stems mainly from the fact he can get a little wobbly at lineout time.
Chances are that into his 32nd year, things aren't going to change a lot in that regard but there's a lot to love about his game, too.
He was a ball of muscle last night, bumping here, knocking down the French there.
Not least of all Leon MacDonald.
Perhaps under the harshest spotlight following his sluggish turn in Auckland, a performance that confirmed his ordinary form for the Crusaders.
MacDonald brought with him a sharp edge that had been missing, one cutting thrust rewarded with a try.
Not least of all Isaia Toeava.
The south Aucklander is just a sure pair of hands short of being a potential superstar.
The French were woeful. Then again, it was pretty much what was expected from a team that will be lucky to contain five players who eventually make it to Le Grand Carnivale in September. But they've achieved one thing: they've played a number of stuttering All Blacks into fine form.
That's something, at least.
