Rugby: Goodhue to make his All Blacks debut against French XV in Lyon

Jack Goodhue will start at centre for the All Blacks against a French XV in Lyon. Photo / Getty Images

Kawakawa's Jack Goodhue is set to make his first appearance in an All Blacks jersey after being named to start at centre against a French XV.

The Taniwha standout is the only player in the initial 37-man squad not to have made it on to the field so far in their Northern Tour.

He would have debuted from centre or off the bench against the Barbarians alongside fellow rookies Tim Perry, Matt Duffie and Asafo Aumua.

Instead he stayed at home battling the mumps, and therefore remains the only member of the main touring squad yet to pull on the black jersey.

Outside Hurricanes second five-eighth Ngani Laumape, the Northland prospect will finally get his chance.

Before heading on tour, Goodhue said he was just looking to soak up as much knowledge as he could and he knows All Blacks coach Steve Hansen and his coaching crew will get the best out of him.

"I'm just going to learn as much as I can. I learned plenty while I was there during the Lions series and I know there's plenty more to learn," he said.

"The coaches are really good at getting you to play your game and I know they like my distribution so I want to keep that up."

Hansen said this gives a newer group an opportunity to prove themselves in the black jersey.

"This is another exciting opportunity for a young, group of men to go out and experience what it's like to wear the All Blacks jersey and deal with all the pressures that come with that," Hansen said.

"We are sure that they will represent themselves, their families and the All Blacks proudly."

Goodhue joins fellow debutants Atu Moli, Akira Ioane, Dillon Hunt, Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo'unga in the 23, though only Goodhue is in the starting 15.

They'll be led out by one-test All Black Luke Whitelock, who captained the Barbarians against the All Blacks last week.

All Blacks: David Havili, Matt Duffie, Jack Goodhue, Ngani Laumape, Seta Tamanivalu, Lima Sopoaga, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Luke Whitelock (c), Ardie Savea, Liam Squire, Dominic Bird, Patrick Tuipulotu, Jeffrey Toomaga-Allen, Nathan Harris, Tim Perry. Reserves: Asafo Aumua, Atu Moli, Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Scott Barrett, Akira Ioane, Dillon Hunt, Mitchell Drummond, Richie Mo'unga.