New Zealand coach Graham Henry said he wanted a positive start to his side’s international season as he named a strong starting 15 for the first test against France at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.
“We have set high standards for ourselves in the tests against France,” Henry said in a statement on Tuesday.
“We’d like to find the good form we had in November as quickly as possible and then build on it. So, for us, there’s a lot at stake.”
Injuries ruled out fullback Mils Muliaina, centre Conrad Smith, halfback Byron Kelleher, flanker Jerry Collins and hooker Anton Oliver.
The side is skippered by Richie McCaw and contains just five of the players who completed the 2006 international season with a 45-10 rout of Wales in Cardiff in November.
With the Tri-Nations on the horizon and the World Cup to be hosted by France in September, Henry said he was looking for Chris Masoe to cement his place in the back row. “We want Chris to have some game time at No. 8 this season and build his experience at the test-level.”
The second and final test is in Wellington on June 9.
TEAM:
Leon MacDonald, Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Aaron Mauger, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Chris Masoe, Richie McCaw (capt), Reuben Thorne, Ali Williams, Chris Jack, Carl Hayman, Keven Mealamu, Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Neemia Tialata, Troy Flavell, Rodney So’oialo, Brendon Leonard, Nick Evans, Ma’a Nonu