High stakes for All Blacks

While he said he did not expect too many surprises, competition is keen for certain areas of the team.

"We played 33 players against the Lions in three test matches, that gives a pretty good line on where we're going," Henry told the New Zealand Press Association this week.

"We've been selecting this side for 18 months now and hopefully we're getting reasonably solid in what we're trying.

"You get to know players and they get to know you and they know what is expected.

"But you're always looking for players to add to it and there's no room for complacency."

Henry has said the area of most contention will be in the loose forwards, where Otago's Craig Newby and Josh Blackie and Auckland's Jerome Kaino, Daniel Baid, Angus Macdonald and Brad Mika will probably be competing for one place in the squad.

The All Blacks selectors have said they would take seven loose forwards on tour and with Rodney So'oialo, Mose Tuial'i, Richie McCaw, Marty Holah, Jerry Collins and Sione Lauaki all having been involved in the squad this year, several players on show on Saturday will miss out.

"There's a lot of loose forwards, a number of very good players are going to miss out," Henry said.

"There's about a dozen (loose forwards) who could go and we can only pick seven perhaps. That's going to be difficult for some people and you feel for them."

Otago flyhalf Nick Evans also has everything to play for, with North Harbour's Luke McAlister likely to go to Europe as Daniel Carter's back-up.

Evans, who made four appearances at fullback for the All Blacks in 2004, however said he was only concentrating on the final.

"I don't think I'll be disappointed. I mean, I'd love to be there, but at the moment I'm concentrating on Otago and helping them win the final," Evans said.

"Whatever happens on Sunday, I'll be okay. You're either there or you're not. I'll either be heading overseas or going somewhere for a break and doing some fishing."

Auckland: 15-Brent Ward; 14-Doug Howlett, 13-Mils Muliaina, 12-Isa Nacewa, 11-Joe Rokocoko; 10-Tasesa Lavea, 9-Steve Devine; 8-Jerome Kaino, 7-Daniel Braid, 6-Justin Collins (captain), 5-Ali Williams, 4-Angus Macdonald, 3-John Afoa, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1-Saimone Taumoepeau.

Otago: 15-Craig Clare; 14-Glen Horton, 13-Neil Brew, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11-Matt Saunders; 10-Nick Evans, 9-Chris Smylie; 8-Grant Webb, 7-Josh Blackie, 6-Craig Newby (captain), 5-James Ryan, 4-Tom Donnelly, 3-Carl Hayman, 2-Anton Oliver, 1-Chris King.