Regardless of the magnitude of the anticipated All Blacks rugby victory at Eden Park tomorrow night, the performance of one player is destined to be picked apart unlike any other.

Isaia Toeava's hands, Joe Rokocoko's rustiness -- those concerns will probably be immaterial compared with the dissection of Reuben Thorne's effectiveness against the French.

The circumspect Canterbury and Crusaders flanker-cum-lock, the squad member whose selection is debated most intensely, has another chance to justify his inclusion -- and retention for the World Cup -- with a start at blindside flanker.

It is an assignment the 45-test veteran -- and captain at the last World Cup -- is approaching in a typically unflustered manner.

Thorne, who already has two failed Cup campaigns on his playing record, is considered the forward most likely to miss the cut when the team is named after the Bledisloe Cup test on July 21.

He has been cast in a head-to-head battle with Blues captain Troy Flavell to ultimately cover lock/blindside flanker if and when Waikato battering ram Sione Lauaki comes back into contention.

Thorne's selection against France in the first test appeared strengthened by his inclusion in Graham Henry's conditioning programme, but a subdued return to the Super 14 for the fading Crusaders again placed the 32-year-old's form under the microscope.

Whether he can convince the doubters against a weakened Tricolors side is a moot point, and it is likely to be his only opportunity to start in Jerry Collins' usual berth before the Tri-Nations.

Flavell is expected to state his case in Wellington in the second test next week.

Asked how he handled the mantle of being considered the face that doesn't fit -- at least outside of his home province -- Thorne just shrugged as a grin formed.

"It's something I've become used to -- it's nothing that bothers me really.

"I just put it behind me. The coaches are happy, though I would have liked to have come into this team on the back of some better form.

"It didn't happen so I've just got to focus and play well for this team."

Thorne played eight games for the Crusaders but often didn't complete his usual 80-minute workload as the former Super 14 champions stumbled at the semifinal stage for the first time.

He was not alone in failing to ignite as peerless teammates Dan Carter and Richie McCaw also struggled to get out of the blocks.

Ali Williams' implosion at the Blues, Rokocoko's confinement to club rugby and Conrad Smith's injury-ravaged Super 14 ensure that Thorne won't be undergoing the microscope alone, although Hurricanes centre Smith will have to wait until a hamstring strain mends.

Given the All Blacks have been in camp only since Sunday and many are still underdone, expectations of a polished performance have been tempered, though Carter did anticipate the team would soon be back in the groove.

"I wasn't too happy with my form but I feel more comfortable with each game and I'll be looking to progress each week," said Carter, who played six Super 14 games this year.

"A lot of the guys found it pretty tough getting back into their franchises but it's been enjoyable getting back into this camp -- I know I tend to lift another gear when I put on the black jersey."

Meanwhile, that pronouncement was neither a surprise nor welcome news for French veteran Thomas Castaignede -- the only experienced component of the visitor's backline.

"It will be difficult to win with this young side," he said of a line-up featuring six new caps and five more on the bench.

"We need to play very simple rugby, defence is really the main thing. You expect them to attack you from everywhere," the fullback said.

Abrasive No 8 Sebastien Chabal was more bullish.

"If you don't think you can win you might as well stay at home and watch a good movie."

Both sides were to complete their preparations at the test venue today.