The All Blacks head to next weekend’s competition - the 44th instalment - Friday week, and being a five-year veteran club the Orange side knows what to expect.

“Obviously this is the under 17 team, and we’ve had sides there since 2009,” French said.

“We know what is needed, but they have extended the competition from 16 to 21 this season. Instead of having a repechage for the losing sides there is a big chance you could go up there just to play one team.”

The competition - designed to instil a sense of self determination and community leadership - has become a straight knock-out for 2014, adding boundless pressure on French and his side.

“We’ve been training for about two months under  Sandon Gibbs-O’Neill, who runs the boys around well,” he said.

“But previously we had the luxury of knowing even if we lost we had another chance.

“Every side is coming here to win, which sometimes is not realistic, but we think we have a genuine chance even though its become harder.”

Despite saying his side is ready, French did acknowledge a disrupted preparation.

“We were interrupted a bit by local competitions and grand finals, but that just stands to keep the boys fit,” he said.

French said his side was eyeing off the third round.

The knockout begins on Friday, October 3.