All Blacks halfback TJ Perenara has pinched troubled star Aaron Smith's starting No.9 jumper for this weekend's Test against France.
The 28-year-old Smith has struggled for form following an indiscretion two months ago in a Christchurch Airport toilet.
Smith missed his side's final Rugby Championship fixture and third Bledisloe after the incident went public, before a lukewarm return in the All Blacks' loss to Ireland in Chicago.
An improved performance the following week in Rome then made way for another lax display in last week's win over Ireland in Dublin.
Having already knocked on twice and thrown several errant passes, Smith was sent to the sin bin for repeated ruck infringements in the 17th minute.
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He was ultimately hooked for Perenara before the hour mark, and will start on the pine in Paris on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
Coach Steve Hansen said the off-season had come at the right time for Smith, who could de-clutter his mind and return to Super Rugby recharged for the Highlanders.
"I don't think you have to be a rocket scientist - Aaron's struggled since he's come back," Hansen said on Wednesday.
"He's been through a tough time. Clearly it's knocked his confidence a bit, but he's coming back slowly."
Elsewhere, injuries and suspensions have forced Hansen to tinker with the line-up who beat Ireland.
Israel Dagg will slot into his favoured fullback role in place of Ben Smith, who broke his finger last week, while Waisake Naholo will take Dagg's place on the right wing.
ALL BLACKS:
Israel Dagg, Waisake Naholo, Anton Lienert-Brown, Ryan Crotty, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Kieran Read (capt), Matt Todd, Jerome Kaino, Samuel Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Joe Moody. Res: Codie Taylor, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Scott Barrett, Ardie Savea, Aaron Smith, Aaron Cruden, Rieko Ioane.
