Paris (AFP) - 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.

Barrett, 33, missed last week’s win over Ireland with a head injury he suffered in the victory against England on November 2.

The two-time World Rugby player of the year replaces McKenzie in the number 10 shirt, in five changes made by coach Robertson from the success in Dublin last Friday.

“It was a very tough decision,” former All Blacks back-rower Robertson told reporters before Saturday’s encounter at the Stade de France where the All Blacks lost the World Cup final to South Africa a year ago.

“It’s a great discussion to have when you’ve got two 10s in form and both good tacticians, both kicking well.

“Damian is probably the best player off the bench in the world, we believe.

“That’s his role when he comes on, he can change the game,” the 50-year-old added.

Winger Sevu Reece, scrum-half Cam Roigard, flanker Samipeni Finau and hooker Codie Taylor are also the new faces as New Zealand eye a first win over France since 2018.

Reece replaces the injured Mark Tele’a, Roigard comes in for Cortez Ratima and Taylor stands in for Asafo Aumua.

Finau is in at blindside as Robertson re-shuffles his back-row due to Sam Cane’s concussion as Ardie Savea moves to openside and Wallace Sititi is at No 8.

The 25-year-old Finau starts having played just 12 minutes off the bench against England and Ireland.

“He’s match fit, he’s been in and around the group,” Robertson said.

“He’s had a couple of cameos at the end of games but he’s grown through the year,” the former Crusaders coach added.

Experienced lock Patrick Tuipulotu is set to win his 50th cap off the bench, a decade after making his Test debut.

“It’s been a bit of a long road for Patrick over the last 10 years to get to this point,” Robertson said of the 31-year-old.

“He’s getting better with age. He’s performed every time he’s had the opportunity this year, so we’re really pleased for him,” Robertson added.

New Zealand (15-1)

Will Jordan; Sevu Reece, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Samipeni Finau, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams

Replacement: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Pasilio Tosi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Cortez Ratima, Anton Lienert-Brown, Damian McKenzie

Coach: Scott Robertson (NZL)