All Blacks: France clash trickiest for selection strategy

Richie McCaw talks to his team mates during the match against Tonga at Eden Park. Photo / Getty Images

Selection strategies are a key component for any side at a Rugby World Cup and especially for the All Blacks after the way they were burned in the last campaign quarter-final.

All the intrigue centres on ideas for the third round clash with France at Eden Park. That is the game which should determine both sides' path to the playoffs.

The curiosity is whether selectors will pick their best combination this Friday against Japan in Hamilton as preparation for that match with France. That would give selectors an option then to freshen some topliners before a quarter-final.

Or should coach Graham Henry, Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith blend their picks to give more players a shot at making the side for France, and then run their best team through as far as they can in the tournament.

Those ideas will be getting thorough analysis as will the injury roster before the team to play Japan is revealed on Wednesday.

Flanker Adam Thomson has resumed training after hyper-extending his elbow and suffering other damage in the Tri-Nations defeat more than a fortnight ago.

He would probably need to get through several serious sessions this week to convince medical staff and selectors he is ready for a run against Japan.

If he is not ready, it seems McCaw will lead the side out on Friday for his 100th test as one of only three fit looseforwards.

Kieran Read is reported to be making progress but a definitive idea about his return from a high ankle sprain is some way off.

Fit players not involved in the opening game against Tonga were Mils Muliaina, Zac Guildford, Conrad Smith, Andy Ellis, John Afoa and Keven Mealamu.

During his discussions about selection for that game, Henry mentioned Smith would be picked to play Japan at Waikato Stadium.

With Sonny Bill Williams at second five eighth or Ma'a Nonu returned to his usual role? The money might be on Nonu to start.

You would also put the ring around Keven Mealamu beginning his 87th test at hooker after sitting out the opener on his home ground.

Muliaina's fate may not be as straightforward. If sentiment is involved in the selection he will run out for his 99th test.

However his form has not risen much this season while Israel Dagg has been bursting with all sorts of venom. He proved that again at Eden Park and the selectors may want to run with that golden form. If that occurs Muliaina should get a bench place to cover fullback, wing and perhaps centre.

Up front, who apart from Mealamu might come in to try to give some consistent starch to the forwards?

Perhaps Sam Whitelock to start after Ali Williams seemed to get distracted too often by perceived Tongan atrocities. Maybe Anthony Boric needs to start after his lengthy absence to repair his foot injury.

Somehow this game also seems a good time to get props Tony Woodcock and Owen Franks through entire games.