NEW ZEALAND host France in the first of their three-Test series on Saturday.
And the game takes on greater significance with next year’s World Cup in Japan in mind.
Unfortunately this is a game that has been beset by All Blacks’ injuries.
They have, for instance, been forced at add three forwards to their squad in locks Luke Romano and Tom Franklin and flanker Matt Todd.
Lock is a particular concern, with captain Sam Whitelock having missed the last three weeks of rugby with concussion.
And Brodie Retallick has been ruled out after suffering a pectoral injury during the Chiefs’ loss to the Crusaders on Saturday.
Romano is a seasoned performer and could join Scott Barrett in an all-Crusaders starting lock combination at Eden Park.
Highlanders lock Franklin is uncapped.
NEW ZEALAND vs FRANCE TEST SERIES
1st Test: Auckland – June 9
2nd Test: Wellington – June 16
3rd Test: Dunedin – June 23
Also under a cloud is Chiefs open-side flanker Sam Cane, who has struggled to shake off an abdominal strain.
Amazingly, Hansen his already lost Sonny Bill Williams (knee) and Tim Perry (hamstring) for the entire series from his original squad of 33.
Compounding Williams’ loss is ongoing concern over concussion issues for midfield back Ryan Crotty and Goodhue’s niggles.
France are statistically the best defensive side in world rugby at the moment running at about 92.5 per cent tackle completion, letting in one and a half tries a game.
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They bring phenomenal line speed that Hansen is very wary of.
It had been anticipated that the French would be significantly under-strength for the first Test as a result of a number of players being involved in the French club final last weekend,
But only three players had been required so they had almost the best team they could possibly bring to Auckland.
Can I live stream New Zealand vs France and what TV channel is it on?
The game is live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event from 8.00am.
What time is the kick-off?
The action gets underway at 8.35am in Auckland on Saturday, June 9.
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Team news
Both Steve Hansen and Jacques Brunel hindered by injury absences to their squads.
One piece of good news for New Zealand is that a Sanzaar foul play committee dismissed a striking charge against Highlanders loose forward Liam Squire.
He is free to play the first Test after his collision with Hurricanes halfback TJ Perenara on Friday was deemed accidental and not of significant force.
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