New Zealand coach Graham Henry insisted yesterday he had named a "very strong Test team" to play Wales despite resting captain Tana Umaga and awarding new caps to two players.
Openside flanker Richie McCaw will skipper a side featuring nine changes to the starting line-up which accounted for Italy, 59-10, in Rome last weekend.
Piru Weepu, who is considered one of New Zealand's most promising scrumhalves, gets his first taste of Test rugby in place of experienced campaigner Byron Kelleher.
And after giving Conrad Smith a start at outside centre against Italy, Henry has awarded Casey Laulala his debut in the All Blacks midfield.
France have kept faith with the side which beat Australia last weekend to take on Argentina on Saturday.
NEW ZEALAND (v Wales, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday): M Muliaina; D Howlett, C Laulala, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; D Carter, P Weepu; T Woodcock, K Mealamu, G Somerville, C Jack, A Williams, R So'oialo, R McCaw, M Tuiali'i. Replacements: A Oliver, C Hayman, R Thorne, M Holah, B Kelleher, Ma'a Nonu, R Gear.
FRANCE (v Argentina): N Brusque; A Rougerie, T Marsh, Y Jauzion, C Heymans; F Michalak, J-B Elissalde; O Milloud, W Servat, S Marconnet, F Pelous, J Thion, S Betsen, O Magne, I Harinordoquy. Replacements: S Bruno, N Mas, P Pape, J Bonnaire, J Peyrelongue, C Poitrenaud, C Dominici.
