Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry answer five key questions ahead of the All Blacks' Northern Tour.
Who will be most dangerous opponent and why..?
Gregor Paul: Scotland. They have been the most improved side in Europe this year, albeit from a low base. But they beat Australia
in June - in Australia - and with the arrival of new coach Gregor Townsend they have a creative and innovative thinker at the helm who will build on the improvements former coach Vern Cotter made. What's also in Scotland's favour is that they will be the All Blacks' third opponent in seven days. The advent of a mid-week game in Lyon between the test in Paris and the test in Edinburgh will challenge the All Blacks' preparation.
Patrick McKendry: Wales. It's tempting to say France because of their record of upsetting the All Blacks when it's least expected, but on this tour the Welsh could be the biggest problem largely because it's the last test of a long year for Steve Hansen's men. That has been an issue in the past - most significantly England at Twickenham in 2012 (a 38-21 thrashing), plus a last-gasp win over Ireland in Dublin a year later. Wales have already had Sam Warburton and George North ruled out with injury, but many connected with the squad enjoyed success against the All Blacks this year when playing for the British & Irish Lions, including - significantly - coach Warren Gatland. Kiwi Gatland knows the blueprint for beating the All Blacks - constant pressure, line speed on defence and taking chances on attack. Whether his Wales outfit have the talent to do the same remains to be seen but they should take to the pitch in Cardiff confident of securing their first win over the All Blacks since 1953.
Which All Black is under most pressure to perform..?
GP: Waisake Naholo could do with playing three big tests to remind everyone that he is a world class power wing with an uncanny ability to turn games with his magic. He could do with showing an improved ability to take high balls as well. At some stage next year Naholo is going to be competing with Nehe Milner-Skudder, Rieko Ioane, Seta Tamanivalu, David Havili, Julian Savea, Israel Dagg, Ben Smith and Jordie Barrett for a spot in the back three.
PM: Jerome Kaino. At 34 and having not played a test since the drawn test against the British & Irish Lions due to the well-publicised personal issues which broke in the media on the morning of the Bledisloe Cup test against the Wallabies in Sydney, this tour could be Kaino's last tour if he doesn't perform. Liam Squire has taken his chance and could make a compelling case to be the All Blacks No1 blindside flanker, but with matches against the Barbarians and French XV, and Kieran Read due for a rest at some stage, Kaino is likely to feature early in the tour and probably in that first match against the Baabaas at Twickenham. Kaino badly needs a match in order to get up to speed which would suggest a starting role there at either No6 or No8. The Blues player could be seen as a better fit as cover for Read at the back of the scrum rather than Squire or Vaea Fifita.
Which player will advance his cause the most..?
GP: Jack Goodhue might just be the sort of player who find his feet quickly at this level. He seems composed, aware and accurate when he plays and showed for the Crusaders this year that his decision-making and execution under pressure are both excellent. He's a big lad, quick and with that ability of his to read the game, he may stand out playing in the non-tests to such an extent that he forces his way on to the bench for the last test in Cardiff.
