New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson said on Thursday it was a difficult choice to start Beauden Barrett over Damian McKenzie at fly-half for this weekend's game with France in Paris.

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have returned to the side to face France in Paris on Saturday, having recovered after concussion forced them off against England two weeks ago.

Bordeaux fullback Romain Buros makes his test debut for France in one of four changes from the side which routed Japan to face New Zealand in autumn rugby at Stade de France.

Test novice Buros is in for the dropped Leo Barre, Villiere comes in for Theo Attissogbe who has a knee issue and Boudehent takes the place of the injured Francois Cros. The 27-year-old Buros has been a consistent performer for Bordeaux-Begles since joining them in 2018 and has scored four tries in eight games this season.

All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan has admitted they have a few ‘selection headaches’ ahead of the test match against France on Sunday after back-to-back strong performances over England and Ireland.

New Zealand's Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have returned to the side to face France in Paris on Saturday, having recovered after concussion forced them off against England two weeks ago. The pair have successfully completed head injury assessment protocols and were included in the team named on Thursday,