Who can stop New Zealand with the World Cup to kick off in less than 10 months?
The All Blacks thrashed France 47-3 in Lyon last weekend for the Six Nations champions' worst score at home, one week after doing the same to England with a 41-20 win at Twickenham.
But coach Graham Henry has ominously only now picked his strongest team for Saturday's second Test against France at the Stade de France. He has made five changes, with centres Ma'a Nonu and Mils Muliaina winning selection in the only real area of contention as Leon MacDonald stays at fullback.
``Based on form, this is our best team right now,'' Henry said. ``Ma'a has been selected on form and Mils has been exceptional at centre for the All Blacks before.''
England will be aiming to avoid losing an eighth straight Test for the first time in its 135-year-old history when it hosts South Africa in the first of two Tests Saturday. Coach Andy Robinson has two games to save his job after Argentina beat England 25-18 for its first win at Twickenham.
Italy hosts Argentina in Rome and Scotland plays the Pacific Islanders at Murrayfield in Saturday's other games. On Sunday, Ireland meets Australia at Lansdowne Road.
Luckily for Robinson, the Springboks are missing eight first-choice players and are coming off a 32-15 loss to Ireland which has coach Jake White also under intense pressure.
The Rugby Football Union has agreed with the English clubs that no player will start in more than three of the four November Tests, further limiting Robinson's options. But one player he withdrew for tactical reasons halfway through the match against the Pumas is hoping history repeats itself.
Charlie Hodgson scored 27 points as England beat South Africa 32-16 at Twickenham in 2004.
``I shut it out of my mind straight away, it has gone,'' Hodgson said of his substitution. ``From my point of view I don't see confidence as being an issue _ I am a lot stronger mentally than I used to be.
``We're trying to develop a good style of play, and it's about having the belief that we are capable of playing good, attacking rugby. That we are not forced to stick it up the jumper and play 10-man rugby.''
The All Blacks have set the benchmark with their dynamic, high-tempo style, which promises to be as seamless as ever on Saturday.
Lock Chris Jack replaces James Ryan, hooker Keven Mealamu comes in for Anton Oliver, centres Conrad Smith and Luke McAlister are out, and scrum half Byron Kelleher takes over from Piri Weepu.
France coach Bernard Laporte has recalled Remy Martin at openside flanker to try and curb the influence of All Blacks fly half Dan Carter in one of six changes to his team.
``It's logical that Remy plays,'' Laporte said. ``I hope he will help us to stop Carter playing his game.''
Prop Olivier Milloud replaces Sylvain Marconnet, hooker Raphael Ibanez comes in for Dimitri Szarzewski and is named captain as lock Fabien Pelous has injured ribs. Lionel Nallet is his replacement.
In the backs, Cedric Heymans starts on the left wing with Christophe Dominici dropping to the bench, and Pepito Elhorga returns as fullback in place of Julien Laharrague.
``We tried to build a team that will rebel, bring us some pride and try to bounce back from this humiliating defeat,'' team manager Jo Maso said. ``We are waiting for the team to show its true nature, its virility. That was not the case in Lyon.''
Australia coach John Connolly has named Stirling Mortlock and Lote Tuqiri as his centres and switched No. 12 Stephen Larkham back to his usual fly half position. Mat Rogers drops to the bench.
``It was something we wanted to try at some stage,'' Connolly said. ``We felt that this test was a good opportunity to have a look at Stirling and Lote in the centres.''
