All Blacks co-coach Wayne Smith has put his players on notice that Tri-Nations Test places are at stake in Saturday's one-off Test against Italy in Christchurch.

The form of some players in New Zealand's tied two-Test series against France was below par and they must improve to retain their places for Tri-Nations Tests against Australia and South Africa, Smith said.

No.1-ranked New Zealand is unbeaten in nine previous Tests against Italy and is expected to win comfortably, but Smith indicated the quality rather than the margin of any All Blacks win will be under scrutiny.

"There's an inherent feeling there, an understanding, that this is the opportunity that if I'm going to make my mark, it's got to be now," Smith said.

"That's good because we'll know who can play under pressure and who can't.

"I don't think anyone was really happy with the level of performance against France. The level of intensity came up but our attack went from probably a three to a four out of 10. So we've got a lot of pressure on ourselves to make the improvements."

The Italy Test is New Zealand's last before the Tri-Nations series begins in mid-July.

"I think a lot people are on trial," Smith said. "It's the nature of the beast. There's probably an uncomfortable feeling for a lot of players. I think that's good, it's what's made All Black teams strong and vibrant in the past."

One of the players under most pressure is winger Joe Rokocoko, who has held his place for the Italy Test despite consistently poor form. Rokocoko has not scored a Test try for almost two years.

"He would not be pleased with his form," All Blacks coach Graham Henry said. "He is a proven international in the past and we are hoping that he will find the magic button and start producing it."

New Zealand suffered a setback ahead of Saturday's match when veteran lock Ali Williams, who had been named to play his first Test of the season, withdrew from the match with an Achilles tendon injury.

Williams' place was taken by Isaac Ross and Bryn Evans joined the All Blacks reserves.

Italy comes into Saturday's match after losing two Tests to Australia by margins which were leaner than expected. The Italian forwards competed well with the Wallabies and are expected to test the All Blacks on Saturday.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina (capt), Lelia Masaga, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko, Luke McAlister, Brendon Leonard, Kieran Read, Tanerau Latimer, Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, John Afoa, Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett. Replacements: Aled de Malmanche, Tony Woodcock, Owen Franks, Bryn Evans, George Whitelock, Piri Weepu, Cory Jane.

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