All Blacks skipper Sam Whitelock hasn't played for four weeks due to concussion but he's declared himself ready to lead his side on to Eden Park against the French tomorrow.
"I've had a couple of weeks where I haven't played," said Whitelock, who is standing in for regular captain KieranRead. "It's frustrating – I always want to be out there if I'm 100 per cent fit or even if I'm not."
After leading his side on their final training run of the week on a sunbathed Eden Park pitch, Whitelock added: "I'm really excited about getting out there [against France]… the confidence is where it needs to be – I've been lucky enough to have been in this environment a couple of times so I just need to back myself and my ability.
"At times I'm going to be blowing hard but I think that's normal no matter where you are in a test match."
Brodie Retallick's absence due to a chest injury could be keenly felt but helping Whitelock cope with the added intensity of test rugby in the second row is Crusaders teammate Scott "Scooter" Barrett, a 24-year-old who has matured into a quality forward with an extremely high workrate.
"Scooter has been going really well – he's really stepped up over the last couple of years. People are really starting to take notice now. The best thing having someone out there I've played a lot with. That gives me that confidence to do my own thing because he's playing so well."
The 29-year-old Whitelock, who has played 96 tests, said he didn't expect the All Black machine to be too rusty.
"Once we've got in it's been great and obviously those camps have allowed this week to be a bit smoother than it's been in the past."
Of the French, he said: "You've got to be prepared for anything – no matter if it's at the scrum, lineout maul, or the expansive play they've been playing lately."
