KEY POINTS:
In the latest episode of French chicanery, the depleted tourists have decided to rest experienced captain Raphael Ibanez from both tests against the All Blacks.
The impression was that the Tricolores would blend a small core of senior players alongside the swag of new caps in a compromise forced by the absence of most World Cup contenders on club championship duties.
However, when the side was revealed yesterday, Ibanez, who has been capped 88 times for his country and led France against the All Blacks last year, was named as the reserve hooker to Sebastien Bruno.
French manager Jo Maso explained the rationale.
"Raphael is captain for the tour but we want to look after him and we want to see others play," he said.
"He is 34 years old, he has had a big year and we want to look after him. He is very tired, mentally, after an exhausting campaign with Wasps in Europe. He will be on the bench in Wellington as well.
"But he is here as a mentor, a trustee of the spirit of French rugby, he is here to look after the team. We are showing respect for the All Blacks by bringing our captain here."
It was an argument to rate with Graham Henry claiming the All Blacks had shown a lot of integrity in the international arena, a sort of Swiss cheese defence, a justification which sounded plausible but had holes in it.
The French did pick their other quartet of seasoned players, fullback Thomas Casteignede, No 8 Sebastien Chabal, flanker Olivier Magne and prop Christian Califano, who played for the Blues in the Super 14 in 2002.
Five players will make their international debut at Eden Park - halfback Nicolas Durand, wing Benjamin Thiery, centre Arnaud Mignardi, blindside flanker Gregory Le Corvec and lock Julien Pierre.
"There are many players with a lot of experience and we will try and bring that through the team," said Magne who returns for his 87th cap.
"I know it will be difficult for the young to play for the first time in New Zealand. But we have a lot of hope, there is no pressure on us not to lose, we want to play like we have to.
"It is 15 against 15 men and we have a chance to win this match."
Magne, who was part of the famous French revival in the World Cup semifinal in 1999, said he had given little thought about the difficulty of Saturday's task.
"I just want to enjoy the trip as it might be my last tour with the French team.
"I do not want to think beyond this. Maybe there is one chance and we can take it and beat the All Blacks.
"It would make a very big impact in New Zealand but it will be very hard."
Lock and new captain Pascal Pape is the sole player who started for France in their most recent test against the All Blacks in Paris last season.
Ten All Blacks return from that match, which they won 23-11.
Coach Henry wants to involve everyone in his 31-man squad in the two tests against France and the international against Canada in Hamilton on June 16.
"We want everyone on track in the first three games to make sure selection is right for the Tri-Nations," he said.
"We'll be picking the best team each week in the Tri-Nations."
