Carter back for ABs

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named a full-strength team for their quarter-final showdown with France in Cardiff on Saturday.

Dan Carter has been passed fit to take his place at fly-half, meaning Luke McAlister shifts across to inside centre. It was feared Carter may not recover from a calf strain in time, but the medical staff confirmed he was ready for action having passed various tests.

McAlister will be joined by fit again Mils Muliaina in the centres, whilst Leon MacDonald has also made a full recovery from his hamstring problem and will occupy the fifteen jersey. The only surprise in the back line sees Joe Rokocoko preferred to Doug Howlett on the wing.
The one surprise in the forward pack sees Keith Robinson retain his second row berth in place of Chris Jack. Jack will have to be content with a place on the bench, as will Chris Masoe, with Richie McCaw and Rodney So'oialo restored to the starting line-up.

New Zealand, who have had the easiest route to the quarter-finals, will face a stiff task against France. The last time the two sides met in the World Cup was back in 1999 when France caused a huge upset knocking the All Blacks out in the semi-finals.

Despite the prospect of another upset Graham Henry said their side is full of excitement going into the game.

"We are excited to play France. Sudden-death rugby obviously has its own tensions and that's the reality all eight teams face this weekend," said Henry.

"France probably weren't expected to be in this quarter-final so there may be some extra tension in this match particularly.

"As a team we have really enjoyed the big occasions over the last few years and we've enjoyed a good and thorough preparation for this match."

New Zealand: 15 Leon MacDonald, 14 Josevata Rokocoko, 13 Mils Muliaina, 12 Luke McAlister, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Byron Kelleher, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerry Collins, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Keith Robinson, 3 Carl Hayman, 2 Anton Oliver, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements: 16 Keven Mealamu, 17 Neemia Tialata, 18 Chris Jack, 19 Chris Masoe, 20 Brendon Leonard, 21 Nick Evans, 22 Isaia Toeava.

Date: Saturday September 6, 2007
Kick off: 20:00 BST (19:00)
Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)
Touch judges: Jonathan Kaplan (South Africa), Tony Spreadbury (England)
Television match official: Chris White (England)
Assessor: Steve Hilditch (Ireland)

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