KEY POINTS:
LYON - Victory and headaches are not standard companions unless they are the results of some serious celebration.
But the quality of the All Blacks' 47-3 victory yesterday against France has created some significant selection posers for the return test this weekend in Paris.
Which players qualify for
that international or will the magnitude of the triumph at Lyon persuade the selectors they can indulge in some tinkering?
The answers will be revealed on Wednesday. In the interim the panel will sift their choices and mull over some of the harder decisions they have had to make this season.
Captain Richie McCaw did not foresee any dramas getting his side to repeat their intensity at Stade de France next weekend.
"The selectors said they were going to pick their top team so the guys that get a crack will have the onus on them to go out and perform better than we have in these first two weeks. That has to be the goal," he said. "Everyone wants to be on the field so I really don't think it will be an issue.
"The French will be hurting and we have to make sure we get ourselves back doing the preparation and ready to play like we were tonight."
The All Blacks were in no doubt the French would regroup and be a formidable foe in the next test. They would have every incentive, and although the scoreboard yesterday showed a large margin between the sides, there was not a great deal between the top international layer.
Coach Graham Henry's satisfaction was with the defence and the attacking attitude the All Blacks showed throughout.
"They want to play, they want to express themselves and that is great, so they are not inhibited by the big occasion."
The heat was now on himself, Steve Hansen, Wayne Smith and Sir Brian Lochore to evaluate all the players and assess the most appropriate side for Paris. "It is a good problem to have.
"We could play a number of players in the 22."
If the selection is really the top team rather than one deemed most suitable for the task, there will be some earnest discussion about hooker, lock, the midfield and the combination of reserves.
Anton Oliver may be best to start at hooker as his scrummaging partnership with Carl Hayman and Tony Woodcock is menacing.
Keven Mealamu can make an impact from the bench and up the tempo in the game. If he starts, Andrew Hore might then be a better bet from the bench.
Lock will be the tightest contest after Ali Williams delivered in Lyon. He was physical, he was accurate in the air, he roamed with purpose and made a strong statement.
Has he overtaken Chris Jack or Keith Robinson? On the evidence of this season, no, but on the indications at Lyon, yes. Which criteria will carry more emphasis at tomorrow's selection debate?
Conrad Smith was extremely efficient at centre, his snappy decisions and communication leading the defensive line out wide. He has bulked up, his speed was adequate and he exudes more poise than Ma'a Nonu.
For some time there has been a theory that Smith and Aaron Mauger cannot be teamed together, that they do not have enough defensive clout to control the advantage line. That conjecture gained impetus because they have yet to play a test in tandem.
That should change if Mauger has recovered from his leg strain.
Picking the rest of the top XV looks straightforward but there are several variables in the reserve choices.
POSSIBLE 22 v FRANCE
Paris, Sunday 9am
Mils Muliaina 15
Joe Rokocoko 14
Conrad Smith 13
Aaron Mauger 12
Sitiveni Sivivatu 11
Daniel Carter 10
Byron Kelleher 9
Rodney So'oialo 8
Richie McCaw 7
Jerry Collins 6
Ali Williams 5
Keith Robinson 4
Carl Hayman 3
Keven Mealamu 2
Tony Woodcock 1
Reserves:
Anton Oliver, Neemia Tialata, Reuben Thorne, Chris Masoe, Andrew Ellis, Ma'a Nonu, Leon MacDonald.
