All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson has made some tough decisions for this weekend's game with prop Ethan de Groot still not included in the matchday 23 for the Test against France.
The prop hasn't been included in any of Robertson's Northern tour matchday squads after he didn't meet "internal standards" ahead of the Test against England at Twickenham.
Robertson has instead favoured Tamaiti Williams to start in the No. 1 jersey after two strong performances against England and Ireland.
The 24-year-old is set to earn his 18th cap for the All Blacks in what would be his eighth start for the All Blacks under Robertson.
Williams is joined in the front-row by a returning Codie Taylor, who has passed the necessary HIA assessment protocols after receiving a head knock in the first six minutes at Twickenham.
The All Blacks are set to run out on Stade de France in a white away strip so they don't clash with France's navy blue jersey.
The All Blacks have lost two Tests against France wearing an away strip. In 2021, they lost 40-25 in the end-of-year tour, and All Blacks fans will remember the infamous loss in the 2007 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal.
"It's still an All Black jersey and still has a silver fern on it so that's all that matters to us," said Taylor.
The All Blacks are hoping to turn around their two-game losing streak against the French at Stade de France. They lost 27-13 in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup, however in that match the French wore a white jersey as they were the designated "away" team despite playing at home.
The experienced Ofa Tu'ungafasi will be utilised off the bench, something that has been crucial for the All Blacks in their past two Test victories on the Northern tour.
Robertson said de Groot's omission from the matchday squad is a performance-based decision.
"It's difficult not to play Ethan de Groot but the other two are playing great footy, simple as that," said Robertson.
"Ethan's done everything he can, he's been exceptional off-field and owned the situation he's in. We've gone for performance and rewarded performance."
Robertson said when he started as All Blacks coach, he was limited in his options for the bench.
"We actually didn't have any discussion because the bench was the bench - we didn't have anyone else. Now we've got two or three guys as options.
"The impact that Ofa's made being a prime example."
While the front-row has been a performance-based discussion, the head injury to Sam Cane last weekend has led to a reshuffle to the loose forward trio.
Samipeni Finau earns a start at blindside with Ardie Savea moving to start at openside flanker. Wallace Sititi has been moved to No.8 to balance the trio and play in his preferred position.
"Circumstances have led to this and it's something we've looked at for this year and now's the time.
"There's a lot of speed, that's one thing Ardie brings, he's quick and will get some opportunities with the ball. There's some really good athletes in those three positions."
Savea most recently played at openside for the Kobe Steelers in Japan earlier this year but hasn't started in the No.7 jersey for the All Blacks in three years.
"Not much has changed in terms of my preparation, just learning the role a bit more so it becomes instinctive. I'm excited and grateful to start again for the All Blacks but play at seven," said Savea. "It's not like slipping on an old pair of shoes, there's little different roles and different things you have to get used to. Should still be the same hopefully."
Kick off is at 9.10am on Sunday.
Tune in to 1News.co.nz on Sunday morning for live updates of the Test.
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