But the expected blowback from the All Blacks is not going to be a given.
It is not going to just automatically happen when the side gets out on to the field.
The team is fielding four complete rookies — new territory for a side under the watch of coach Steve Hansen — while the French must be due for some luck after not getting much rub of the green in the first two tests.
There is a touch of the unknown for the All Blacks going into this test — doubt about how the new boys will go, mystery about whether the side can run the clean lines and find the space it needs to and a question mark about how the chief pilot, Damian McKenzie, will steer this ship round the paddock.
There have been huge raps on centre Jack Goodhue and his strength and potential is obvious.
But playing in a test is a big step up from Super Rugby.
Goodhue is a clever runner and looks to have the touches needed.
He is just the latest centre to come along to be compared to Conrad Smith but it is about time some of these midfielders started charting their own game.
Then there is the question of Shannon Frizell. The new loose forward has the physical requirements to do the job.
He is big and athletic and runs strongly.
But so can everyone at this level. It is a big ask of Frizell to get out and play well in a match of this magnitude when he has such limited experience to lean on.
However, there is plenty to like about the big Tongan. His athleticism is top of the line and he is a bruiser and a runner which is what is needed in his line of work.
The All Black loose trio had a forgettable 80 minutes last week and it is looming as a big game for Ardie Savea.
Savea (24) is starting to mirror big brother Julian. Ardie was a player of huge promise but he has now played 25 tests and is yet to make a real statement.
Many expected Matt Todd to start the test but Savea gets his chance and he will have to take it.
It will be skipper Sam Whitelock’s 99th test but he is not one for sentiment.
He needs to lead his side much more strongly in the breakdown where it was well beaten last week.
Much of that was blamed on the ball carrier getting in the wrong position, hampering the side’s ability to recycle the ball.
Winning the battle at the breakdown is the key to any victory in the sport and the side will be looking for more passion and accuracy as the team hits the paddock.
The French arrived late on Thursday and had a brief run yesterday at the stadium. The players may well will have a foot on the plane but pride suggests they will not fly the white flag quickly tonight.
Still, at at the end of a long season, the side may find it tough going on the surface at the roofed stadium, where speed is king.
New Zealand v France, Forsyth Barr Stadium, 7.35pm
All Blacks: Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo, Jack Goodhue, Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko Ioane, Damian McKenzie, Aaron Smith, Luke Whitelock, Ardie Savea, Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Sam Whitelock (c), Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Liam Coltman, Karl Tu’inufuake, Ofa Tuungafasi, Jackson Hemopo, Matt Todd, TJ Perenara, Richie Mo’unga, Jordie Barrett.
France: Benjamin Fall, Teddy Thomas, Remi Lamerat, Wesley Fofana, Gael Fickou, Anthony Belleau, Morgan Parra (captain), Kevin Gourdon, Kelian Galletier, Mathieu Babillot, Yoann Maestri, Bernard Le Roux, Uini Atonio, Camille Chat, Dany Priso. Reserves: Adrien Pelissie, Cyril Baille, Cedate Gomes Sa, Felix Lambey, Alexandre Lapandry, Baptiste Serin, Jules Plisson, Maxime Medard.
Referee: John Lacey (Ireland)
All Black under the spotlight: Damian McKenzie is starting in the pivotal role of first five-eighth in a test for the first time. He will be hoping for a stronger performance than when he stepped in for Beauden Barrett last weekend.