Coach Ian Foster believes he's struck the ideal balance between opportunity and development in his first All Blacks team of the World Cup year.
Foster and fellow selectors have announced their matchday 23 for Sunday's opening test of the Rugby Championship against Argentina at Mendoza, where they'll kick off their test schedule with the sport's pinnacle event looming on the horizon.
"It's the best XV for this week," Foster said. "I think we've picked a really strong team with existing combinations, a lot of experience, but we're also using it as a chance to inject a couple of younger players in around a solid foundation to give them the best chance to succeed.
"[We're] balancing the freshness of the team, but also the desire to build some combinations going forward, and I think you'll find it's a reasonably settled team, based on where we finished last year.
"We're really satisfied with the group that we've got."
With most of the Springboks first-choice team missing their trip to Australia and already awaiting them in Auckland for next week's clash at Mt Smart Stadium, some selections suggest the All Blacks are keeping their powder dry.
One such area is at first-five, where Damian McKenzie has been chosen ahead of incumbent Richie Mo'unga to don the No.10 jersey.
The dynamic playmaker was one of Super Rugby Pacific's outstanding players, returning from his stint in Japan without missing a step, as he led the Chiefs to their first final since 2013.
Foster is keen to capitalise on McKenzie's momentum and re-introduce him to the test arena, while he's firing for his first appearance at the elite level since 2021.
"He's just playing really well," he explained. "He's been out of the All Blacks for a year and [we're] so impressed with the way that he's come back.
"I think the best way for us to get him back, feeling like he can contribute and be part of this team and give him his best chance to show us how he can play, is to give him that opportunity when he's feeling confident and when things are going well for him.
"We've got [Beauden Barrett] at fullback and Richie at No.10, so we've got a bit of a luxury there at the moment.
"It's just a nice vote of confidence in Damian and when you're out of the All Blacks for a while, there's always a bit of nerves.
"I think this is a great way for him to come in and hopefully play from a position of strength."
One of the most contentious talking points leading into the week was who would win the race to the No.15 jersey, a question Foster has answered with the selection of Barrett.
The drums have been beating at deafening level for Shaun Stevenson to have a chance in a black jersey and when Will Jordan was scratched from the travelling squad, the timing seemed ideal for the Chiefs standout.
Instead, Foster has opted for the experienced head in Barrett, who'll reprise his dual playmaker role with Mo'unga, despite being named in the squad as a first-five - a decision that seems at odds with his desire to test some of his new blood.
"[Stevenson] featured in discussion and we decided to go somewhere else," said Foster. "I've been impressed with Shaun since he's come in, but sometimes it's good for people to come in and get a feel of the space they're in here to learn.
"He's done everything we've asked of him… enjoy being here and train hard, and he's done that and everything else."
Fortunes were more favourable for Stevenson's Chiefs teammate, Emoni Narawa, who's been rewarded for his irresistible Super Rugby form with a test debut on the right wing.
"I've been so impressed with [Narawa]," said Foster. "The week we had in Auckland, he just looked calm and relaxed.
"Underneath, he's nervous, like anyone who comes in early on, but it's a great occasion for him. He should be proud of what he's done this year.
"He deserves it. We just want him to go out there and enjoy himself."
Another notable absence is veteran lock Brodie Retallick. Foster confirms the test centurion is fully fit and very willing, but they were eager to throw Josh Lord back into the furnace. after an injury-plagued couple of years to galvanise their locking depth.
After making his debut against the United States, en route to Europe, at the end of 2021, Lord was sidelined by a knee injury for the entire 2022 season.
He worked his way back for the Chiefs late in their run to the finals, with a headknock limiting his participation in the playoffs.
"[Retallick's] desire is there, but we just feel, for now, it's a great chance to give Josh an opportunity," said Foster. "He's come back from a pretty serious injury and I thought played his way back in.
"When we look at building options and depth in our locks, then the best way to do that is he does need some gametime and we've got a lot of faith in him."
Foster dismisses suggestions his squad has been named with one eye on the world champions next week, recognising the "massive challenge" they face against the Pumas this weekend.
After learning hard lessons against the Argentinians last year - including a first-ever test loss on home soil - Foster insists they're laser-focused on matching the hosts' trademark physicality and beginning a crucial campaign on a high note.
"This is a big test for us and we're not thinking too far beyond that right now," he noted.
"[Argentina] are a quality team. They've been developing their game and they certainly have a great desire to attack
"If you don't commit with your defensive line, you'll struggle with them. We know they're really willing around the breakdown particularly and that's often where the battle is against Argentina.
"We're aware of that and respectful of that, because we've learned the lessons, when we were not as respectful as we've needed to be."
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