KEY POINTS:
The All Blacks' quest for a World Cup crown to place alongside their solitary 1987 success must take an enhanced shape against Scotland.
New Zealand have lolloped through matches against Italy and Portugal, their fluent athleticism and continuity being far too venomous for their inadequate rivals.
Although their
third win at Murrayfield on Monday is a near certainty, the All Blacks want some stronger resistance from the Scots so they can assess the style of play they want to use in the playoffs.
This week has been all about themselves. What Scotland did with their selection did not matter as the All Blacks arrived and trained in Edinburgh and their coaches had already backtracked to Paris to watch another game when the Scottish side was announced.
Instead the All Blacks had worked hard in Aix-en-Provence on their setpiece techniques and picked a combination they wanted to trial.
The scrum got particular attention, with overseer Mike Cron demanding they get a second nudge going rather than just engaging the opposition.
It was strenuous work in the heat but Cron was content that some glitches had been sorted.
The forecast is for fine but cool conditions, which should suit the demands being placed on the forwards to dominate what will be the All Blacks' last serious hitout before their Cardiff quarter-final.
Coach Graham Henry mentioned that a number of vacancies still existed in the top XV they want to present for that playoff match. It was more an inspiring boost for his entire squad than a warning shot to any rivals.
For those like Leon MacDonald, Doug Howlett, Conrad Smith and Anton Oliver, this is statement time. If they make their mark they will have pressed their case for the side's first sudden-death match this tournament.
The makeup of the back four will be one of the toughest decision areas. The injured Mils Muliaina is a certainty if his hamstring behaves but whether he is picked at centre or fullback will depend on the others' form.
Should Howlett once more display the bustling workrate and strong decisions which have been a feature of his play this season, then that allround package may shut the more dangerous Joe Rokocoko out of the lineup.
In the forwards, new blindside flanker Chris Masoe may be playing to keep his reserve place ahead of Sione Lauaki. Signs of that duel may become more apparent during the test when substitutions are made, whether Reuben Thorne is also used at flanker or retained as a lock.
Oliver makes his first start and the first serious examination of his lineout throwing is at this tournament. His targets are Ali Williams, Thorne, Rodney So'oialo and captain Richie McCaw against a Scottish pack which will compete for the ball.
They know this is one way of upsetting the All Black rhythm, of cutting down some of the momentum they can build from this part of the game.
McCaw will lead his silver-clad side into this match after speaking forcefully this week about the team reaching a new plateau. It was a forthright statement of intent, a leader setting the standards and laying down the challenge to his team-mates.
Too many of the alternate XV were sloppy against Portugal. Nowhere near as sharp in attitude as they wanted to be, they were unable to find the right pitch against a hapless opponent.
For many it was their first game in some time and they played like it. Monday's match is a chance to confirm their ability.
All Blacks Scotland
Edinburgh, 3am Monday
Leon MacDonaldDoug HowlettConrad SmithLuke McAlisterSitiveni SivivatuDaniel CarterByron KelleherRodney So'oialoRichie McCawChris MasoeReuben ThorneAli WilliamsCarl HaymanAnton OliverTony WoodcockReserves: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Chris Jack, Sione Lauaki, Brendon Leonard, Nick Evans, Isaia Toeava.
