Summary Flyhalf Daniel Carter will guide the backline in his 99th test.
PARIS (AP) - Three All Blacks with 100-plus test caps and another with 98 will lead New Zealand in the opening match of its European tour against France on Saturday.
The New Zealand squad features 853 test caps in the starting XV plus 112 caps on the bench for the at the Stade de France match.
In the forwards, 105-test prop Tony Woodcock will pack down alongside 108-test hooker Keven Mealamu.
All Blacks captain Richie McCaw returns on the openside flank for what will be his 122nd test match.
Flyhalf Daniel Carter will guide the backline in his 99th test.
The All Blacks, who edged France in the final to win the 2011 World Cup in Auckland, warmed up for Saturday's test with a 54-6 win over Japan in Tokyo last weekend.
After the Paris match, New Zealand will play England on Nov. 17 in London and Ireland on Nov. 25 in Dublin.
"France is one of our great rugby foes and there is a rich history of matches between our two countries, so we are certainly looking forward to this weekend," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. "The full squad has come together well after the Japan test and are united with a common purpose. But we know this weekend's test won't be easy
the French will come at us with real physicality, passion and something new."
Against France, the All Blacks will be wearing their alternate white strip which will be embossed with a red poppy on the sleeve to again mark Remembrance Day, or Armistice Day, on Nov. 11, the anniversary of the end of World War I.
Thirteen All Blacks died in World War I, including 1905-06 Originals captain, Sergeant Dave Gallaher. The trophy, contested between France and the All Blacks, is named the David Gallaher Cup (Le Coupe de David Gallaher) in his honor.
