The All Blacks could make up to five starting changes for the clash with the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday night.
With the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup safe and secure in the 2010 trophy cabinet, New Zealand will look to add youthful flair to compliment a mix of wise old heads at ANZ Stadium.
Aaron Cruden's first Test start in place of first five-eighths Dan Carter was assured, but halfback Piri Weepu looks like getting the nod ahead of Jimmy Cowan, Israel Dagg could replace Josevata Rokocoko on the left wing and Victor Vito may pack down at blindside flanker with Jerome Kaino reverting to the reserves.
Prop Owen Franks could be promoted after being rested, which would push big brother Ben back to the bench after he started in the last-gasp 29-20 win in Johannesburg.
Forwards coach Steve Hansen said hooker Kevin Mealamu had a tight calf. The veteran had not trained this week but Hansen expected his powerful No.2 to take part on Thursday, when the team is named.
"There'll be some changes. It's still a major Test so there won't be wholesale changes. They'll be in areas where we want to see how people go from a starting point of view," Hansen explained of the experimentation.
Those tweaks should do little to disrupt the All Blacks' successful platform with a core of experience in key positions still filtering throughout the side, especially in the pack.
Hansen backed Cruden's self-belief to help him overcome the intense atmosphere that came with starting a Test, but if Weepu or Dagg started – they would assume the goal-kicking duties.
Australia's win over South Africa last week would have realised the shackles somewhat, which could make them a dangerous proposition.
"I'd expect them to turn up with plenty of attitude, grit and determination," Hansen said. "I've never played any sporting event against an Australian team that's been easy. You've got to work for your prize."
"It's a difficult season they've had, but they've just had a win which will perk them up and take a bit of the pressure off."
Hansen warned there was more to come from New Zealand, whose natural athletes were flourishing under the free-flowing interpretations.
"We're not the finished product by any stretch of the imagination," he said. "There's still 10 to 15 percent more to come."
Hansen was still coming to terms with the horrific earthquake in Christchurch last week that left over 100,000 houses ruined. His family home was 'knackered' and reflected a city that will take 12-18 months to rebuild.
"In the down times your mind wanders back to home for sure, but you know that while you're over here [in Sydney] and you need to do a good job," he said.
"It'll bring everyone closer, families will get tighter. I'm sure out of the adversity we'll grow as a province and we'll grow as a country."