John Drake: Touring with eyes on 2007

This test match against Wales is more important than most may realise.

After an outstanding domestic and Tri-Nations season, this group of players and management are now showing the confidence - some say arrogance - to experiment with selections and style of play.

I get the feeling that Graham Henry and company never go a day without thinking of France 2007.

Having laid a solid structure of management, leadership and technical coaching, they are now looking to advance their game and keep ahead of the opposition, all with RWC 2007 in mind.

The selectors have openly admitted they are looking at players with different skill sets, particularly at loose forward and front row. The likes of Chris Masoe and Sione Lauaki are more physical than the Holahs and Newbys. Their style is the direct approach, more brutal and similar to the type of loose forwards the French and South Africans have used for a number of years.

The idea is to have big ball carriers who can also smash the opposition at the vital breakdown area allowing quick ball for the backs.

The question mark over these individuals' defensive ability will also be sorted out on this tour.

In the front row, the big deal is to be able to play both sides at prop.

Frankly I disagree with this concept and strongly believe specialists are the way to go. The best international scrums have always had specialists, so why reinvent the wheel?

Again it's the World Cup where the selectors are fearful of being caught out with injuries. The depth in this area has improved significantly, particularly at tighthead prop, so all that is needed is a top-notch backup to Tony Woodcock at loosehead - not a player who is great around the pitch but only so-so at loose and tighthead.

So is the dream of the Grand Slam being put in jeopardy for future goals?

Probably. The resting of key frontline players is a big risk, however I suspect the game that will really matter is the England test on November 19.

Forget their recent form. These guys are still the real deal and will be the toughest challenge on the tour.

I suspect Henry will play his best against England.

Like all good teams, this All Black squad will just be thinking about Wales. With Steve Hansen and Henry knowing a fair bit about the opposition and Welsh coach Mike Ruddock knowing a fair bit about the two H's, we can expect a tight match.

Injuries and selections have taken some of the edge off the contest, but it is still Wales. It will be a test of the depth in key positions and probably more importantly the ability to be better organised.

The All Black structures and planning hasn't changed too much this season so they may have the edge there.

Wales have changes at the key areas of loose forward and halfback. They are in the middle of various domestic competitions, and Ruddock will not have had as much time as he would have liked to prepare.

What Wales do have is a sound set piece, great fitness/mobility, attitude and vision to attack, and the brains to know when it is on to take a risk.

To win tight tests this stuff is vital. If they start well and the singing gets going they will be trouble for the All Blacks.

In the modern game, the All Blacks have absorbed this pressure and passion, relying on superior fitness and patience to take the victory.

They may need more resolve this time out. Last year, the All Blacks just got home, and I wonder if Henry and Hansen had underrated the ability of their old team - and may still do so.

If so, it could be a bad day at the office, which would ruin Grand Slam plans and also make Henry and his selectors think even more about RWC 2007 than they doubtless already are.