A gaping disparity in form between the All Blacks and France hasn't stopped the tourists from suffering a bout of nerves in the leadup to their Test in Paris.
On paper, New Zealand bring a compelling reason for confidence ahead of Saturday's first leg of their European tour.
The world champions are fielding the most experienced team in Test rugby history, averaging 57 caps per player and are unbeaten in 2013 - with 10 of their 11 wins secured by double-point margins.
France have prevailed in just one of eight Tests, a narrow home win over Scotland. They secured the wooden spoon in the Six Nations and were swept 3-0 in New Zealand in June.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the French still won't lack confidence.
"If it was any other team in the world, you'd probably say it would.
"The beautiful thing about the French people is that they've got a term that says 'c'est la vie'.
"They don't live in the past, they live for today and they know they can play rugby. They've just got to get the recipe right on the day."
France has beaten New Zealand when least expected in recent years which has Hansen on edge.
There are also a number of All Blacks with reasons to be nervous, mostly in the backline.
Wing Cory Jane returns from injury for his first Test in nearly a year, having lodged just 120 minutes of provincial rugby this year courtesy of his ruptured knee.
Former wing Ben Smith admits he faces an enormous challenge from French midfielders Florian Fritz and Wesley Fofana as he continues to come to grips with centre.
Another feeling surprisingly apprehensive is first-eighth Dan Carter, playing just his sixth Test of an injury-disrupted year.
Carter, 31, says he doesn't want to put a spoke in the wheel of the All Blacks juggernaut, particularly with Aaron Cruden and Beauden Barrett having stood in for him so seamlessly.
"Whenever you're lacking game time and you've had a few injuries like I have, it's not wanting to let the team down," Carter said.
"They've built some awesome momentum throughout the year and I've been part of it in stages but not a lot."
"It hasn't been the year that I wanted but I've got an opportunity to finish the year well. That's what's driving me on this tour."
Share
