The blackout continues
All Blacks coach Graham Henry has named an unchanged starting XV to play France in the World Cup Final at Eden Park on Sunday.
The sole change to the side that beat Australia 20-6 in the semifinal came on the bench, with Adam Thomson replacing Victor Vito for the All Blacks' 12th Test match in 14 weeks.
"We haven't experienced this before, it's finals rugby," said Henry. "It's our 12th Test match in 14 weeks, so it's pretty demanding.
"It's constant rugby. We have to be aware of the toll it takes on the mind and body, and we have to prepare accordingly."
The team, boasting 708 caps, will be captained from openside flank by Richie McCaw, starting his 103rd Test.
McCaw will be starting alongside Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read for a record 21st time in the back row, one more than the trio of McCaw, Rodney So'oialo and Jerry Collins.
"This is the biggest game of the players' lives and there is obvious excitement and anticipation at what lies ahead," Henry said.
"To be playing in the final of the Rugby World Cup in front of our home crowd is going to be massive and a very special occasion for the team as well as our fans."
Henry warned that France would pose some problems for the World Cup hosts.
"This French team, we're not sure who's going to turn up," said Henry. "They're enjoying the underdog tag.
"But we think they're a pretty good rugby team with some outstanding players.
"Their forward pack is probably as good as any we'll play in this World Cup," the former Wales coach said. "They've got a world-class loose trio and backs that can bite you."
Owen Franks and Tony Woodcock will prop up veteran hooker Keven Mealamu in the front row, with Sam Whitelock and Brad Thorn packing down behind them at lock.
Piri Weepu, who has found fine form as a goalkicker, will partner Aaron Cruden, the third-choice flyhalf after tournament-ending groin injuries to Dan Carter and Colin Slade.
Ma'a Nonu will partner Conrad Smith at centre, with Israel Dagg spearheading a back three from fullback that also includes Cory Janes and Richard Kahui.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Aaron Cruden, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (captain), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Brad Thorn, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.
Date: Sunday, October 23
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Kick-off: 21.00 (08.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Alain Rolland (Ireland), Nigel Owens (Wales)
TMO: Giulio De Santis (Italy)
AFP