The lead up to Sunday morning's first test against Les Bleus in Paris has been marred by accusations against the All Black forwards of playing a game littered with infringements.

The French management, however, have conceded a grudging respect for All Black captain Richie McCaw saying he is the great player he is because of his ability to push the limits of the law.

For his part McCaw ignored the verbal sparring but acknowledged the forward battle will hold the key to the winning and losing of the test in Lyon saying the French front row and set-piece play is one to watch.

The All Blacks have widely stated they see the French as the most formidable team in Europe and in accordance with this the All Blacks plan to play their top side in at least one of the two tests against their respected foes.

Coach Graham Henry has announced 10 changes from the team who thrashed world champions England 41-20 at Twickenham last Sunday.

Henry has highlighted defensive weaknesses in midfield as an area he wants to improve on and therefore midfield duties this weekend have fallen to Luke McAlister and Conrad Smith.

Conrad Smith will return at centre and signals the completion of a successful comeback from a badly broken leg in the 2005 NPC.

Locks Ali Williams and James Ryan are also among the 10 changes for the initial test against France and both will have to have strong games to hold on to the hotly contested jumpers berths.

Williams in-particular needs a strong display to hold off the strong claims of Keith Robinson, Jason Eaton and Chris Jack, and his response this week will be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, France has recalled No 8 Elvis Vermeulen, three years after he won the last of his three caps.

Coach Bernard Laporte says this is Vermeulen's chance to prove himself at the top level after being unfairly dumped earlier in his career.

Laporte has also opted to use perennial second five-eighths Damien Traille as a first receiver in bid to boost his attacking options.

He has also shown a preference for the youth by selecting 22-year-old hooker Dimitri Szarzewski ahead of the experienced Raphal Ibanez, and similarly Thierry Dusautoir ahead of Remy Martin as flanker.

Dusautoir replaces veteran scavenger Serge Betsen, who was omitted from the 22-player squad through lack of form.

Laporte has described his team's build-up as one of excitement as his team looks forward to clashing with some of the best combinations in the world.

TVNZ will have LIVE text coverage of the All Blacks versus France beginning at 9am NZT on Sunday morning.

France: 15. Julien Laharrague, 14. Aurelien Rougerie, 13. Florian Fritz, 12.Yannick Jauzion, 11. Christophe Dominici, 10. Damien Traille, 9. Dimitri Yachvili, 8. Elvis Vermeulen, 7. Julien Bonnaire, 6. Thierry Dusautoir, 5. Pascal Pape, 4. Fabien Pelous (captain), 3. Pieter de Villiers, 2. Dimitri Szarzewski, 1. Sylvain Marconnet

All Blacks: 15. Leon McDonald, 14. Joe Rokocoko, 13. Conrad Smith, 12. Luke McAlister, 11. Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10. Dan Carter, 9. Piri Weepu, 8. Rodney So'oialo, 7. Richie McCaw (captain), 6. Jerry Collins, 5. Ali Williams, 4. James Ryan, 3. Carl Hayman, 2. Anton Oliver, 1. Tony Woodcock

Prediction: All Blacks by 13 or over