Team Naming Thursday - All Blacks v France

Image courtesy of Zimbio.com

Steve Hansen and co have brought out the big guns for this weekends clash against the French in Paris, rewarding the majority of his top 15 players with starting positions.

A notable omission is wing Julian Savea who unfortunately has not managed to recover from a bug he picked up during the travel over to France, so Cory Jane has returned to the starting lineup with the impressive Charles Pituau on the other wing. 

With a whopping 853 worth of test caps, this is one of the most experienced All Black teams ever assembled.

Owen Franks returns to the starting lineup after overcoming his groin injury, sustained in the Argentina game.

Dan Carter in his 99th test match will once again need to bring his "A game" with Aaron Cruden continuing to put pressure on the Cantab. Probably the one of first times in his career we have a genuine alternative in the number ten jersey. It is this pressure within the squad that Dan will thrive on so expect a big game from him this weekend.

All Blacks
1. Tony Woodcock
2. Keven Melamu
3. Owen Franks
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Sam Whitelock
6. Liam Messam
7. Richie McCaw
8. Kieran Read
9. Aaron Smith
10. Dan Carter
11. Charles Piutau
12. Ma'a Nonu
13. Ben Smith
14. Cory Jane
15. Israel Dagg

Reserves
16. Dane Coles
17. Wyatt Crockett
18. Charlie Faumuina
19. Steven Luatua
20. Sam Cane
21. TKB
22. Aaron Cruden
23. Ryan Crotty

More so than last week of course I cannot wait for what this weekend will bring. The big question once again, will the French bring their big guns or will the All Blacks just be to powerful and too strong.

Who are you predicting to take out the game?