New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen has hinted that he may make some changes for this weekend’s Bledisloe Cup clash with Australia in Brisbane.
The All Blacks are coming into the fixture on the back of a defeat to South Africa last time out, although they did still end up as winners of the Rugby Championship.
Australia meanwhile lost their last encounter against Argentina and will be without the suspended Kurtley Beale pending an investigation into an off-field matter.
The All Blacks – who will welcome the British & Irish Lions in 2017 – face a decision with fly-half Aaron Cruden who returns to the squad.
And Hansen admits that whatever changes he makes to his side will not mean they are underestimating their trans-Tasman rivals.
“You've got to understand the All Black jersey doesn't allow you to experiment too much. If there's ever been a game where we might makes some changes, though, this might be the game,” he said.
“Anyone who has played sport will know there's no such thing as a dead rubber.
“Your pride doesn't allow that for a start. You're playing for your country. There's not a lot of love lost between
Australia and New Zealand in any sport … we want to belt them and they want to belt us.
“As we know there's a few things happening there so that will galvanise them to want to go out and play well.”
