Rugby: New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named an unchanged starting line-up for the World Cup final against France on Sunday. Henry is able to call on the XV who kicked off the semi-final against Australia, with the only change coming on the bench where loose forward Adam Thomson replaces Victor Vito.
Captain Richie McCaw will win his 102nd cap and will combine with Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino in the back-row for the 21st Test, an All Blacks record for a loose forward trio.
Keven Mealamu will join Sean Fitzpatrick as the most capped All Blacks hooker when he makes his 92nd Test appearance on Sunday.
"This is the biggest game of the players' lives and there is obvious excitement and anticipation of what lies ahead," Henry said. "To be playing in the final of the Rugby World Cup in front of our home crowd is going to be massive, and a very special occasion for the team as well as our fans.
"This French team, we're not sure who's going to turn up. They're enjoying the underdog tag. But we think they're a pretty good rugby team with some outstanding players.
"Their forward pack is probably as good as any we'll play in this World Cup. They've got a world class loose trio and backs that can bite you."
New Zealand: Israel Dagg; Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Richard Kahui; Aaron Cruden, Piri Weepu; Tony Woodcock, Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks; Brad Thorn, Sam Whitelock; Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Kieran Read. Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams
