All Black forwards coach Steve Hansen says a lack of experience is the biggest challenge the side must confront as they prepare for their season-opening test against France.

The All Blacks have been put through their paces in Auckland at a training camp as they prepare for the June 13 clash against France.

The side which will take to the field in Dunedin will be one of the most inexperienced All Black sides in recent times.

Loose forwards Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo, who boost 125 test caps between them, will miss the Iveco Series through injury.

Veteran lock Ali Williams, who has played 61 tests, is also doubtful for the June 13 clash as he battles back from an Achilles strain.

Williams has taken little part in training in Auckland, with the odds more likely on him returning for the second clash against France in Wellington on June 30.

Hansen said given the enforced drop off in test-hardened players would put the acid on the All Blacks when it came to decision-making under pressure.

It was one of the areas of high importance during the training camp.

"There is a lot of experience in the French side, I think over 700 tests or something. Half of our side have 10 or less," he said.

"The challenge for us is not so much what they bring, it is what we have to bring. We have to get it right really quickly.

"We know that they will be physical; that is the way that they play.

"But we also know that they can be dangerous with ball in hand.

"So defensively we have to react with the new rules; switching from attack to defence will be important. But just as important will be when we steal ball; going from defence to attack and taking those opportunites.

"I think early in the season we have to focus on our tasks and do them well.

"Rehashing our core roles and making sure that we have our fundamentals and those roles tidied away, and our technique is good, so when we apply pressure we can move forward."

Three new caps have been included in the 26-man squad; Isaac Ross, Wyatt Crockett and Tanerau Latimer.

Ross will replace Williams if he is ruled out of the Iveco Series-opening test.

It would also see uncapped Hurricanes lock Bryn Evans, a member of the Junior All Black squad who has attended this week's training camp, be named on the bench.

Hansen said of the uncapped trio: "They have settled in pretty goodly.

"Obviously it is a big occasion, being selected for the All Blacks. But I have been very happy with how they have settled in and done the work."

Hansen added he was enjoying being able to have a hands-on role with the nation's leading players after being a spectator during the Rebel Sport Super 14.

The NZRU last year blocked his bid to seek the Crusaders' head coaching job while remaining a member of the All Black coaching team.

"It is nice to be back coaching and nice to get the group together and start the ball rolling," he said.

"When your passion is coaching, then it does (get frustrating). But that goes with the job, so you just have to go with it."