New Zealand player-by-player

15Mils Muliaina Age: 30. Height: 6ft. Weight: 92kg (14st 9lb). Caps: 92 One of the best fullbacks of his generation, he instinctively chooses the right moment to counterattack: good feet in traffic but can be susceptible in aerial contests.

14 Corey Jane

Age: 27. Height: 6ft.

Weight: 91kg (14st 4lbs). Caps: 21

Returning from chest and shoulder injuries. Possesses very good feet and gliding style of running; he is an accomplished finisher but may lack a little match sharpness.

13 Conrad Smith

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 1in.

Weight: 95 kg (14st 13lb). Caps: 43

He’s not the biggest, he’s not the fastest but he’s definitely one of the best backs in world rugby. Runs gorgeous lines and has happy knack of finding space.

12 Ma’a Nonu

Age: 28. Height: 5ft 11in.

Weight: 104kg (16st 5lb). Caps: 54

A bullocking presence, he’s a tough proposition physically and has enjoyed a productive midfield partnership with Smith. Can be caught out defensively.

11 Hosea Gear

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 2in.

Weight: 100kg (15st 10lb). Caps: 4

Won a gold medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Dehli with the New Zealand Sevens. He is a devastating finisher who can either go through or around opponents with equal facility.

10 Dan Carter

Age: 28. Height: 5ft 10in.

Weight: 91kg (14st 4lb). Caps: 77

The complete player and could overtake Jonny Wilkinson as all-time leading points scorer if he manages more than 20 points this afternoon. Can play the game whichever way is required.

9 Andy Ellis

Age: 26. Height: 5ft 11in.

Weight: 90kg (13st 13b). Caps: 16

Back in the squad after a series of outstanding performances in helping Canterbury to win the Ranfurly Shield. He’ll be keen to make the most of this opportunity given competition within the squad.

1 Tony Woodcock

Age: 29. Height: 6ft.

Weight: 118kg (18st 8lb). Caps: 72

He is the most capped prop in All Black history. Natural strength honed on the farm is coupled with excellent technique that makes him formidable in the set-piece. Contributes well around the pitch.

2 Hika Elliot

Age: 23. Height: 6ft 1in.

Weight: 110kg (17st 4lb). Caps: 1

Noted for his ball-carrying ability and, in the absence of the suspended Keven Mealamu and with Andrew Hore just getting back to full fitness, gets his opportunity.

3 Owen Franks

Age: 22. Height: 6ft.

Weight: 117kg (18st 5lb). Caps: 20

The younger of brothers who when starting against Ireland during the summer became the first set of siblings to start a Test for the All Blacks since the Brookes (Robin and Zinzan) in 1997.

4 Anthony Boric

Age: 26. Height: 6ft 7in.

Weight: 113kg (17st 11lb). Caps: 17

Late replacement for the injured Brad Thorn. An athletic presence in the lineout, most of his caps have been won from the bench. Boasts a high work-rate and has only been on a losing All Black side once.

5 Tom Donnelly

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 7in.

Weight: 110kg (17st 4lb). Caps: 14

Given the performances of Sam Whitelock in recent times he will want to show form that would re-establish the pecking order that saw him start all six in Tri-Nations.

6 Jerome Kaino

Age: 27. Height: 6ft 5in.

Weight: 109kg (17st 2lb). Caps: 36

He reclaims his backrow position from Liam Messam. Possesses an all-action style, capable of making the hard yards and also stopping Ireland from doing so.

7 Richie McCaw (capt)

Age: 29. Height: 6ft 1in.

Weight: 105kg (16st 7lb). Caps: 92

A special day as, along with Muliaina, he breaks Sean Fitzpatrick’s record of caps. A great player who is perpetually offside, as every openside flanker should be.

8 Kieran Read

Age: 25. Height: 6ft 4in.

Weight: 106kg (16st 9lb). Caps: 28

Made number eight position his own with a series of excellent performances in Tri-Nations. Athletic, mobile and a try scorer against Ireland during the summer.