Rugby World Cup: Not difficult picking final side - Henry

Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks in his first Rugby World Cup final. Photo / Brett Phibbs

It is the biggest game to be played in this country and the All Blacks have entrusted the job to the same XV that started against Australia last weekend.

Graham Henry has made only one change to the matchday 22 to take on France in the World Cup final, with Adam Thomson returning to the bench in place of Victor Vito after recovering from the ankle injury he picked up against France four weeks ago.

He plumped for Thomson over Vito because of his greater big-match experience and the inclusion of the Otago flanker sees the squad come into the game with a combined 708 caps.

Seven of the starting XV having already accumulated more than 50 caps. First five-eighths Aaron Cruden is the least experienced with eight test matches under his belt and fullback Israel Dagg has played 11.

Henry said it wasn't an onerous job picking the side.

"Thirty-three guys have contributed to the group and we would like the 33 to be out there but that's not possible. Picking the same side that played so well against Australia last week wasn't difficult.

"This is the biggest game of the players' lives and there is obvious excitement and anticipation at what lies ahead. To be playing in the final of the 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.''

It will be a lot more special if they can win because of the long wait this country has endured to win another World Cup.

But Sunday's match will be the All Blacks' 12th test in the past 14 matches and fatigue would normally be an issue. It's something the All Blacks coaches are mindful of but the enormity of the occasion should take care of any tiredness.

They enjoyed a day off yesterday and will train fully today before the captain's run tomorrow.

"We haven't experienced this before,'' Henry said. "It's finals football. The guys have prepared well. This is our 12th test match in 14 weeks and I don't think that has happened before so it's pretty demanding.

"The constant rugby and the toll that takes on the body and mind. We can't be over-physical at training and we haven't been. We just have to prepare accordingly.

"This French team, we are not sure who is going to turn up so we have to prepare as if they are the best in the world. They certainly have the individuals to do that. It's just whether they can produce that as a side.

"All the word is they have prepared and are very focused and are enjoying the underdog tag and are using as much of the ammunition through the media they can to get themselves up there. They feel they are not being considered in this final by a lot of people. We don't think that. We think they are a very good rugby team, with some outstanding players and it's going to be a huge final.

"Their forward pack is as probably as good as any in this competition. Their scrum is very, very good. They have a world-class loose forward trio and they have backs who can bite you."

Starting XV:

1. Tony Woodcock (82)
2. Keven Mealamu (91)
3. Owen Franks (30)
4. Brad Thorn (58)
5. Samuel Whitelock (24)
6. Jerome Kaino (47)
7. Richie McCaw - captain (102)
8. Kieran Read (35)
9. Piri Weepu (55)
10. Aaron Cruden (8)
11. Richard Kahui (16)
12. Ma'a Nonu (65)
13. Conrad Smith (54)
14. Cory Jane (30)
15. Israel Dagg (11)

Reserves:

16. Andrew Hore (61)
17. Ben Franks (15)
18. Ali Williams (72)
19. Adam Thomson (24)
20. Andy Ellis (25)
21. Stephen Donald (22)
22. Sonny Bill Williams (13)