New Zealand will be without an experienced component in the backline when they attempt to rebound from the loss to Ireland and sign off their November tour with a win over France in Paris on Saturday.

Anton Lienert-Brown (26) came off the field just before the break with a shoulder injury in Saturday’s 29-20 loss to Ireland and was replaced by David Havili.

“He’s in a sling as a precautionary measure. He’ll be out of this game,” Foster told reporters this past Sunday.

In the absence of the 56-Test veteran, Foster will pick a replacement from Rieko Ioane and the inexperienced pair of Braydon Ennor and Quinn Tupaea.

“I’m comfortable with options. Whoever gets in midfield will be prepared and ready to go,” said the coach.

Flyhalf Beauden Barrett failed a head-injury assessment in Dublin and was replaced by Richie Mo’unga after 20 minutes.

Foster said a decision will be made on Barrett’s availability in the next 48 hours.

The All Blacks face Les Bleus, unbeaten this November after wins over Argentina and Georgia, in a dress rehearsal for the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup to finish their end-of-year campaign at a sold-out Stade de France.

“We knew these last two games were going to be big,” Foster said. “Us getting off the mat after last night won’t be hard to do. We know we got outplayed. We want to finish this tour well.

“Playing against a France team that’s growing is a great game for us to respond. I don’t think we’ll be short for motivation at all,” he added.

© Agence France-Presse