All Blacks make changes for France

Rugby: New Zealand have picked their strongest available side for Saturday's test against France with recalls for Neemia Tialata, Jerome Kaino and Cory Jane.

Tighthead prop Tialata replaces Owen Franks, blindside flanker Kaino takes over from Adam Thomson and wing Jane comes in for Zac Guildford in a side showing three changes from the team who defeated England 19-6 last weekend.

"The French will be a passionate, physical side who are undefeated at home in their November tests so it will be another huge test for the All Blacks. The team is looking forward to the challenge," said head coach Graham Henry after naming his team today.

France, who defeated world champions South Africa this month and Samoa last Saturday, will field 11 members of the team who beat New Zealand in Dunedin this year plus centres Yannick Jauzion and David Marty, lock Sebastien Chabal and number eight Julien Bonnaire.

The Marseille match will be a milestone for fullback Mils Muliaina who will win his 82nd cap and become the second most-capped All Black of all time behind former captain Sean Fitzpatrick, who made 92 appearances for New Zealand.

Flanker and captain Richie McCaw will play his 80th international to become the third most-capped All Black.

"A game against France is always very important and very difficult. France are one of the great rugby nations," he said.

"It will be an interesting physical challenge particularly after they defeated South Africa because they dominated the Springboks counting on their physical power as they did against us but we are prepared to face such a challenge," he added.

New Zealand (v France): Mils Muliaina, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Tom Donnelly, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Replacements : Corey Flynn, Owen Franks, Anthony Boric, Tanerau Latimer, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Luke McAlister.