Scott Robertson has a number of difficult decisions to make when he selects his All Blacks team to face France in Paris on Saturday.

Changes are guaranteed with the news of the absence of Sam Cane and Mark Tele’a, while Codie Taylor and Beauden Barrett are in line to play as they continue to follow their return-to-play protocols following injuries to head suffered against England.

Robertson is set to name his team on Thursday, so before the clash we try to predict what the All black people the 23rd day will take place against France.

15 Will Jordan

Earlier in the year, Robertson might have considered bringing back Beauden Barrett, but Jordan has largely cemented his place at full-back. The 26-year-old proved spectators right, who suggested the Crusaders star should be New Zealand’s 15th long-term star. The outfielder was excellent against England and Ireland adding two more tries to his collection, whilst also being very good under the high ball.

14 Sevu Reece

Tele’a’s absence should mean a very simple decision: the return of Reece, who will take his place on the right wing. While there may be a temptation to start Beauden Barrett and move Jordan to the wing, Robertson will be reluctant to change something that has worked very well for the All Blacks. Although Tele’a is slightly stronger in the air and better at close combat, Reece will also bring an excellent work ethic.

13Rieko Ioane

The speedster isn’t exactly pulling down trees at the moment, with the All Blacks’ attack struggling to get shots well and truly, but he has played a big part in their defensive solidity. This may be a question for next year but, for now, Ioane’s position is surely safe, especially with Billy Proctor returning home for the birth of his child.

12Jordie Barrett

When Anton Lienert-Brown started – in the final round of the Rugby Championship – New Zealand’s defense had more of an advantage, but Jordie Barrett did nothing wrong in the last two games. Especially defensively, he put his body on the line to make things incredibly difficult for the English and Irish attacks.

11Caleb Clarke

Continued his good form since the Rugby Championship, although he didn’t really find the space to show his athleticism. However, it has been a year of maturity for Clarke, who now looks like he belongs at Test level. The 25-year-old has added details to his game to go with the obvious quality he has with the ball in hand, and it has made all the difference.

10 Damien McKenzie

A very difficult choice between him and Beauden Barrett. Before being ruled out of the Ireland game, there was no doubt the experienced playmaker was on the front line, but McKenzie the performance in Dublin changed that a lot. Having given the 29-year-old plenty of chances at the start of the season, there is a feeling that Robertson would prefer him as his number one fly-half and he may well remain in that position in Paris. It could hurt his confidence if Barrett returns after recovering from a head injury.

9 Cam Roigard

Cortez Ratima had an excellent rugby championship, but he struggled in Europe, producing poor performances against England and Ireland. Ratima was particularly error-ridden in Dublin and was constantly caught at base. He was just a little too slow in the scrum, while Roigard injected pace and looked much more comfortable on the pitch. On current form, there is no doubt who the Hurricanes scrum-half will start.

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8Wallace Sititi

The big selection dilemma for Robertson will be the makeup of the backline following Cane’s injury. With the former captain absent, there is a lack of experienced options, particularly at seven. Luke Jacobson is definitely out while it is understood Ethan Blackadder and Dalton Papali’i are still nursing their injuries. This means Sititi could well be moved to his preferred position at number eight.

7Ardie Savea

It would be a popular move with fans and pundits calling for the World Rugby player of the year to be moved to openside. If it has to happen, it will be in Paris like Save is the most experienced seven on the team. Peter Lakai and Du’Plessis Kirifi are the other options, and it has been hinted that the former will be involved in some capacity, but it would be a big move to throw them into the starting XV this weekend. Sititi at the blind side and Savea at eight provided a nice balance, which could sow doubt in the head coach’s mind, but surely this change has to happen, right?

6 Samipeni Finau

Sititi and Savea will still play but the next place is up for grabs. If Robertson changes roles, Finau is the favorite for the number six jersey. The All Blacks boss could well move captain Scott Barrett out of lock, but the Chiefs powerhouse is in line to take the jersey.

5Tupou Vaa’i

We thought Robertson would start Patrick Tuipulotu last weekend, but the head coach obviously likes the impact the gargantuan lock provides from the bench. Vaa’i should therefore continue in the XV after having formed a good duo with the second row skipper.

4Scott Barrett

The captain is guaranteed to start but, as mentioned, it is whether he comes at the lock or in the back row. However, moving Scott Barrett to the blindside could unbalance the scrum’s back five and would be a risky move by the usually conservative Robertson. It is therefore logical that he retains his place on the second line.

3Tyrel Lomax

Quite simply one of the best Tightheads in the world, and in a match as important as this, there’s virtually no reason to give up on him unless he’s having a week in the manner of Ethan de Groot and that he does not meet “internal standards”. Lomax has been very solid so far up north and has set a very good platform at set-pieces against England and Ireland.

2Codie Taylor

Perhaps hard for Asafo Aumua, exceptional against Ireland, but his time will come. At present, Taylor remains the All Blacks’ best hooker, while also remaining a presence in the game, as shown by his performances in the Rugby Championship. It’s a simple decision for us and it should be for Robertson too.

1Tamaiti Williams

It’s possible De Groot will return but, if Williams fixes the problems from the England clash, we’d be surprised. The Crusaders powerhouse scrummed very well against Ireland and, with what he also offers in freedom, the 24-year-old deserves to retain his position in the XV.

Substitutes

Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Beauden Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown

De Groot isn’t much of a frontline impactor, so if Williams starts, then Ofa Tu’ungafasi should again be the reserve loosehead. He and Pasilio Tosi have made a good impression on their tour so far and will look to do so again this weekend. Elsewhere, Lakai should get an opportunity following all the injuries to the All Blacks backline and covers seven and eight. Behind the scrum there is a temptation to bring back TJ Perenara as he may be more suited to closing out the game, but Robertson has faith in the young scrum-halves on this tour.

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