Charles Piutau produced a starring performance in Tokyo © Getty Images

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Reaction: Piutau continues to impress for All Blacks

Matches: France 19 - 26 New Zealand

Charles Piutau is set to replace Julian Savea on one All Blacks wing against France in Paris, with the Hurricanes star having played no part in New Zealand's build-up for the Test after picking up an illness during the trip to Europe.

Savea was seen moving about the team hotel on Tuesday, after spending most of his first three days in Paris in bed, but he didn't take part in their key two-hour training session - something that has counted against players previously under coach Steve Hansen, who likes his players substantially involved in preparation for every Test.

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw says Savea has progressed well, having been told by medical staff that he would be bed-ridden for two days, but the illness has left the door open for Piutau.

The rising Blues star won his first six caps off the bench before impressing in New Zealand's starting line-up in their past two Tests against Australia and Japan. His defensive qualities and chasing game shone against Australia in Dunedin three weeks ago, after earning a late call-up when Cory Jane injured a hamstring two days out, and his speed and finishing were to the fore as he scored two tries and ran for 150 metres with ball in hand against Japan.

Assistant coach Ian Foster feels comfortable about the prospect of Piutau partnering Cory Jane as the All Blacks' wingers at Stade de France.

"The fact that he's done it on the right wing [Wallabies] and then the left wing [Japan], he's answered a few questions there," Foster said of Piutau. "He's been very, very level-headed about his game. He's made some really good decisions on the park. He hasn't tried to overplay his hand, but when he's asked to do a role on the park, he's done it really physically and added a lot of skill to it."

Savea was the only absentee at a wet training session involving fully the other 35 squad members.

The New Zealand selectors aren't likely to produce any major surprises, with Dan Carter and McCaw poised to be among the changes from the starting side that defeated the Wallabies 41-33 in Dunedin.

"The guys are in pretty good shape and I think there's a feeling, without too many people saying too much, that there's a step-up in intensity," McCaw said.