Ruben Love's sparkling Super Rugby form has been rewarded – he has been given the honour of leading the All Blacks' attack in the first Test of the year.
Love will wear the No.10 jersey against France under the roof in Christchurch, with head coach Dave Rennie and his selectors backing the Hurricane to deliver in what is a significant first Test for Rennie and, indeed, Love.
It is clear that Love's attacking ability – from set piece and on counter attack – has given him an edge, with rival Damian McKenzie named at fullback and Beauden Barrett, who struggled with a leg injury during the latter part of the season at the Blues, left out of the match-day squad.
It is clear too that the All Blacks want to make the most of the dry ball and run the French around; the backline is packed with speed and agility, and likewise the pack has been selected with what appears to be a similar mindset.
Love, who will be playing his sixth Test, will have familiarity inside him, with Hurricanes pair Cam Roigard starting at halfback and second-five Jordie Barrett wearing the No.12 jersey.
While Love's selection was relatively predictable, Rennie has made several surprises.
One is his choice at openside flanker, with Luke Jacobson wearing the No.7 jersey, skipper Ardie Savea at No.8 and Peter Lakai on the blindside.
Will Jordan starts on the right wing, with Caleb Clarke on the left.
The midfield, another contentious area, has Quinn Tupaea starting at centre, with Jordie Barrett at second-five.
Uncapped Hurricanes pair, prop Xavier Numia and wing Fehi Fineanganofo, have been named on the bench.
The starting front row features Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell, with Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax and Numia on the bench.
Josh Lord and Sam Darry are the locking pair, with Tupou Vaa'i ruled out with concussion. Patrick Tuipulotu is the back-up lock.
Despite Roigard's ability to consistently play 80 minutes, Rennie has resisted the temptation to go for a six-two forwards-backs split on the bench, with Cortez Ratima the back-up halfback.
Rennie said the 23 was reflective of Super Rugby form, as well as crucial Test match experience.
“There is no doubt players have forced our hand as selectors through quality Super Rugby performances," he said. "We have selected an exciting blend of experience and youth, with a powerful bench that will add impact.
“We know we will be facing a formidable French side with a strong set piece, kicking game and ability to keep the ball alive, so we will need to be physical, accurate and alert. We’ve worked hard and connected well over the past nine days. That clarity will give us the opportunity to express ourselves.
“It is an honour to play the first Test match at the new Christchurch stadium and to bring the All Blacks back to this proud rugby region. What a way to start our season, playing under the roof in front of a sold-out stadium.”
It is four years since the All Blacks played in Christchurch and 13 years since the French played in the city.
All Blacks match-day squad to play France
(Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (40), 2. Codie Taylor (106), 3. Fletcher Newell (35), 4. Josh Lord (12), 5. Sam Darry (8), 6. Peter Lakai (8), 7. Luke Jacobson (24), 8. Ardie Savea (106) (Captain), 9. Cam Roigard (17), 10. Ruben Love (5), 11. Caleb Clarke (33), 12. Jordie Barrett (78), 13. Quinn Tupaea (24), 14. Will Jordan (54), 15. Damian McKenzie (74). Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua (20), 17. Xavier Numia * , 18. Tyrel Lomax (48) , 19. Patrick Tuipulotu (56), 20. Wallace Sititi (19), 21. Cortez Ratima (21), 22. Billy Proctor (11), 23. Fehi Fineanganofo * .
Unavailable due to injury: Tupou Vaa’i (concussion)
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