Borderer Finlay Christie is in contention to start for the All Blacks in this weekend's Test with France in Paris after recovering from a neck injury.

Born at Borders General Hospital and raised in Peebles before the family emigrated to New Zealand when he was seven, the 24-year-old Auckland Blues scrum-half did his selection chances no harm with a superb performance against Italy two weeks ago after coming off the bench to replace Brad Weber.

Despite giving away an offside scrum penalty with first involvement he then impressed to give Head Coach Ian Foster some thinking to do.

In the 28th minute he made the most of a big All Blacks scrum that turned over possession just metres from the line and touched down for his first try for the team.

He later provided a great assist for Sevu Reece’s try.

He was on the bench for last weekend’s defeat in Dublin and he is fit and available for selection.

New Zealand forwards coach John Plumtree yesterday confirmed that fly-half Beauden Barrett is a "doubt" for the game after failing a head injury assessment in Dublin during last Saturday's loss at Ireland which potentially opens the door for Christie.

"He hasn't completed all his protocols yet. He's in doubt I would say, especially with Thursday being our final preparation day” Plumtree said.

"Brad Weber has played really well on this tour and Finlay Christie is up and coming. We have some really nice choices to make."

The game at a sold-out Stade de France is a dress rehearsal for the opening match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.