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The All Blacks are bracing for a rugged battle up front when they take on France in the first rugby Test in Auckland on Saturday night.
Skipper Kieran Read sees the French turning to one of their traditional strengths in their bid to gain dominance at Eden Park.
“I’m expecting a massive challenge, especially up front,” he said.
“I think they’ve been working away on their scrum and it’s always their biggest threat.”
France will have the edge in experience between the starting fronts rows.
The All Blacks have a combined 59 caps among hooker Dane Coles, loosehead prop Wyatt Crockett and tighthead Owen Franks, with Coles getting his first start in his fifth Test.
France’s trio of Dimitri Szarzewski, Thomas Domingo and Luc Ducalcon have total of 107 appearances, with Szarzewski claiming the bulk of them with 69.
Behind them, there are two big, though relatively new, locks in Yoann Maestri and Sebastien Vahaamahina.
While unpredictable is an adjective much used to describe the Tricolores, Read expressed a consistency of attitude towards them.
“We always respect the French and expect them to be on their game in every Test,” he said.
“We know they’ve been sitting in wait for a long time for this.”
The Test, part of a three-match series, will be the first time the two nations have met since New Zealand won the 2011 World Cup final by a solitary point.
It is being played on the 100th anniversary of rugby’s arrival at Eden Park, a ground where the All Blacks haven’t lost since 1994, when the French, with present coach Philippe Saint-Andre as captain, beat them.
It will also be Read’s first home Test as captain as he deputises for regular skipper Richie McCaw, who is completing his sabbatical.
The 27-year-old No.8 has led the All Blacks once before in his 48 Tests, against Italy on the 2012 end-of-year tour.
Coach Steve Hansen is predicting that the tourists’ “monster forward pack” will try to impose themselves physically.
“They will come and try and bully us, and take us on up front,” he said.
France will go in as underdogs, which Hansen believes will make them even more dangerous.
“The hardest time to combat them is when everyone writes them off,” he said.
“Whether that’s because subconsciously you as a team start listening to the media or all the voices, I’m not sure, but they always put in good performances when they’re not expected to.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.