OPINION: After the second-test debacle in Wellington, it's time for All Blacks coach Steve Hansen to give his uncapped players a run against France in Dunedin this weekend.
Picking the same 23 in back-to-back matches for the first time since 2015 didn't work and with the series wrapped up, the stage is set for some rookies to have a crack.
Top of the list should be Crusaders first-five Richie Mo'unga.
The 24-year-old's proved he's up to test standard, after two stellar seasons with the Super Rugby champion Crusaders, and starting Mo'unga would allow Damian McKenzie to perform his best role as an impact player from the bench at fullback.
With Liam Squire nursing a shoulder injury and Vaea Fifita suffering concussion, Highlanders blindside Shannon Frizell's poised to make his debut.
The squad bolter was probably expecting some time off the bench, at most, during the series, but with Jordan Taufua also out of action, the 24 year-old Tongan-born enforcer is the last man standing.
Three other players could make their All Blacks debuts at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Jack Goodhue looks made for test rugby.
The tough 23-year-old from Northland has been a rock for the Crusaders at centre and should slot onto the bench, while hooker Ricky Riccitelli and lock Tom Franklin could also make their first appearances for the All Blacks from the reserves.
Sonny Bill Williams is in line to make his return from a knee injury at second-five, with Ryan Crotty moving out to centre, while Waisake Naholo deserves a chance to play on the wing.
Blues prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi continues to underwhelm, so why not give fellow tighthead Jeff Toomaga-Allen a change to back-up Owen Franks.
It's a case of risk versus reward for Hansen and with not a lot at stake under the roof on Saturday, it's a great chance to create more depth ahead of next year’s World Cup.
John Day's team for the third test against France:
All Blacks: Joe Moody, Codie Taylor, Owen Franks, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Shannon Frizell*, Sam Cane, Luke Whitelock, Aaron Smith, Richie Mo’unga*, Waisake Naholo, Sonny Bill Williams, Ryan Crotty, Ben Smith, Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: Ricky Riccitelli*, Karl Tu’inukuafe, Jeff Toomaga-Allen, Tom Franklin*, Ardie Savea, TJ Perenara, Damian McKenzie, Jack Goodhue*
*debut
John Day is a RadioLIVE sports reporter.
