All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said starting well and finishing chances created were high on the side's list of priorities during a series that will give the selectors some answers to questions about the mix and versatility in the side.
New lock Fabian Holland had shown his single-mindedness when, as a 16-year-old, he decided to come to New Zealand to attempt to become an All Black in a game he loves.
His selection to start on his adopted home ground at Forsyth Barr Stadium also allowed the selectors to choose Tupou Vaa'i at blindside flanker.
Robertson said, "We're looking at options for guys to play in two positions. He's got the skill set. He's quick enough, as he keeps telling us, and he can play on the edge.
"Test footy is a big man's game and you can start or finish there, and this week he's starting."
Rieko Ioane will return to the wing where he started his Test career. It was an opportunity for him to do some finishing for the side, he said.
"It's exciting. He was up for it, and whatever is best for the team."
Starting centre Billy Proctor has been consistent, is good on both sides of the ball, and complements the backline.
Christian Lio-Willie's debut at No8 was the result of his contributions to the Crusaders across their season, but especially in the last few weeks.
"He came on the end of year tour with us which was important for him to understand how the week works. And the good thing about Ardie Savea is that he can play flanker or No8. He has had a great year playing in the majority on the flank."
Beauden Barrett has been given the first chance to start at first five-eighths. They had genuine options when comparing Barrett and Damian McKenzie. And McKenzie could come off the bench and change games.
The French delayed naming their team until later on Thursday, but Robertson said they are aware of the players in the French side, and with their blend of experience and youth, they could be dangerous.
However, the All Blacks are concentrating on preparing for whoever is in front of them and capitalising on the opportunities they create.
"We expect everything from them. Nothing has changed since the end-of-year tour to the Six Nations; the style they play remains the same. They're a very good territory team; they put pressure on you, keep you in your back fence as much as possible, and force errors. They're highly disciplined.
"But they can also get that little ball away. They're quick, they've got a balance of speed, youth and a great young generation coming through."
Proctor said, having played with second five-eighths Jordie Barrett at the Hurricanes, it was nice to have a familiar face alongside him.
He has noticed changes resulting from Barrett's season with Leinster.
"Leinster's line speed is pretty intense, so he's willing to bring that down here. I'm getting used to that, and we'll be on the same page.
"There is a responsibility to go out there and perform, considering how many midfielders there are and getting the first crack at it. However, there is support from the rest of our midfielders, who have been doing everything to help us and set Jordie, me, and Quinn [Tupaea] up to get the job done.
Lio-Willie, who played club rugby in Dunedin for Kaikorai and who made his first-class debut with Otago at the same time as Holland, said it was a 'full circle' moment to share their Test debuts.
He has felt a connection and trust among the forward pack.
"That's not only just to help each other out, but trusting that the other man in the group is going to do his job. That's the sort of confidence that I take being a newcomer to it.
"Ardie is someone I've always watched and looked up to, and the amount of trust he's had in me now, not having to nitpick what I do, but always being there as an ear I can lean on to help me get better in my role.
"I know if I get caught up in the moment I won't be present. So it's nailing the job and trusting my skill set and the game that I want to play."
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All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (29) 2. Codie Taylor (96) 3. Fletcher Newell (22) 4. Scott Barrett (80) (Captain) 5. Fabian Holland* 6. Tupou Vaa’i (38) 7. Ardie Savea (94) (Vice-Captain) 8. Christian Lio-Willie* 9. Cam Roigard (10) 10. Beauden Barrett (134) 11. Rieko Ioane (81) 12. Jordie Barrett (68) (Vice-Captain) 13. Billy Proctor (2) 14. Sevu Reece (32) 15. Will Jordan (41)
IMPACT: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (30) 17. Ollie Norris* 18. Pasilio Tosi (7) 19. Samipeni Finau (8) 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi* 21. Cortez Ratima (11) 22. Quinn Tupaea (14) 23. Damian McKenzie (61)