While the Lions and Wallabies have been taking chunks out of each other and preparing for the Battle of Brisbane, and the Springboks show every sign of imploding with their shaky performance against the French and the subsequent sacking of skipper Andre Vos, the All Blacks have been quietly going about their pre-Tri Nations business.

Well, give or take the odd skirmish. The sin-binning of Anton Oliver indicates his team will not be taking any backward steps this year, precisely what New Zealand fans have been clamouring for since the last World Cup, and the disgraceful kneeing of Roberto Grau on Troy Flavell once again revealed the darker side of the South Americans' game.

The start of the Lions series in Australia clearly takes centre stage at the weekend, but let's not forget that the All Blacks v France fixture is one of the most compelling on the international calendar. The history books record that the Wallabies won the 1999 World Cup, but we all know that in years to come it will only be remembered for that extraordinary second half performance by the French in the Twickenham semi final against the All Blacks. With everyone looking ahead to a trans-Tasman final in Cardiff, the French were provided with the perfect ambush opportunity and they did not disappoint. In many ways the New Zealanders have yet to fully recover from the shock. They went to Paris at the end of 2000 and came away with an impressive enough victory , but in Marseille a week later the wheels again came off their forward effort.

The French have a remarkable record against the All Blacks and nothing is being taken for granted as Wayne Smith prepares his men for the latest Wellington instalment. Of the 36 tests played between the two countries since 1906, the French have won 10, a performance only bettered by the Springboks, and including the impressive 2-0 series win in 1994.

The pre-tour announcement of Bernard Laporte's squad brought derisory responses from many commentators in New Zealand , how could the French be taken seriously with so many top- line absentees ? But events in South Africa, a drawn series which could so easily have been won , have changed all that. The French selection for Saturday does have an unknown look to it, but as everyone is fond of repeating, expect the unexpected from Fabien Galthie's team. Against the Boks the forwards were competitive, Olivier Magne in particular reminding us of his world class qualities , and there was a presence which clearly undermined the South Africans' self-belief and ability to play to any convincing pattern. Gerald Merceron, so influential in both tests with his goalkicking and tactical control, starts on the bench allowing David Skrela to make his debut, but if things start to go awry he is on hand. Nicolas Jeanjean , on the wing for this test, looks a very promising find, his runs from full back against the Boks showing power and pace, Jauzion and Glas are a midfield handful and Christophe Dominici will be there ready to exploit any chances. Galthie has been in sensational form, relishing the captaincy and the opportunity to utilize all his experience and craft.

The All Blacks are building steadily towards the Tri Nations and cannot afford a slip-up here. Wayne Smith has again come in for criticism for selecting Jeff Wilson ahead of Doug Howlett, but you can understand his dilemma. He has so many backline options and Wilson's class, yet to find full expression since his return from self-imposed exile, could yet prove crucial in the search for southern hemisphere pre-eminence. Of course, Howlett has not put a foot wrong and will surely have his day. The Alatini-Umaga midfield combination showed encouraging signs against Argentina, Alatini probably having his best test to date, his combination of quick feet and the eye for the gap impressive. Leon MacDonald confirmed he can make the step-up to test football and just remember , Christian Cullen is still to be added to the mix.

The frustration of the injury-disrupted Super 12 campaign endured by Norm Maxwell is now probably being compensated for by his freshness and energy levels as we get into the international season. By common consent he had his best test against the Pumas, especially at line out and kick off he was in commanding form and got around the track in his usual exocet-like fashion. Troy Flavell has survived the assault perpetrated on him by Roberto Grau and it is to be hoped he can carry on with his outstanding post-Super 12 form. There is a great deal of clamour to see him played on the blindside, but in all fairness Reuben Thorne has been in such good form that Smith seems happy to accommodate both in his starting XV. Chris Jack made an impressive debut last Saturday and is surely there to stay, his precocious talents combined with his height making him an option for taller-timbered opponents later in the season. No 8 Ron Cribb will have another stiff examination , and he needs it to show he is capable of withstanding the challenge coming from Jerry Collins. Taine Randell's selection confirms that he is now primarily being considered as a no7 and Marty Holah, so impressive in recent weeks, is going to have to work even harder to make the openside spot his own. The emergence of young Otago prop Carl Hayman has put pressure on the not much older Greg Somerville to perform and skipper Anton Oliver has a crucial role this weekend in ensuring the front row combinations concede nothing to the French.

Two years ago, at the old Athletic Park in Wellington, the All Blacks thrashed a feeble French side 54-7. Five months later the tables were spectacularly turned at Twickenham and although honours were shared in France at the end of 2000, the French victory in Marseille enabled the home side to come away with a psychological advantage.However, I expect the All Blacks to win this , and to win it well, probably by about 15 points. On the other hand , the French . .