New Zealand rugby Coach Graham Henry has strengthened his All Blacks team with the return of skipper Richie McCaw and Dan Carter among four changes for Saturday’s big World Cup Pool A game with France at Eden Park.

In the team announced on Thursday, McCaw returns to lead the All Blacks in his 100th Test after a minor calf strain forced him to miss the 83-7 win over Japan in Hamilton.

Full-back Israel Dagg has recovered from an abdominal strain, while Piri Weepu returns at scrum-half for Andy Ellis.

Goalkicking fly-half Carter has recovered from a back complaint to further strengthen New Zealand.

“History shows the challenge. There have been a lot of World Cup games against France which have been of great interest to New Zealanders and French people and some of them have finished with difficult situations to handle,” Henry said.

“This French side will be very difficult to beat. They are a big side, very physical, got a very mature pack and they have some outstanding talented backs, so they will be very difficult.”

Henry said the painful loss to the French in the quarter-finals at the last 2007 World Cup has not been mentioned this week, but there would be an edge to the game.

“Quite frankly, France have got 642 Test caps in the starting XV and it looks a very strong team to me,” he said.

“You people (media) wonder about the All Blacks selection, apparently I’ve been told occasionally, and now the boot’s on the other foot… I just don’t take any notice of it (France choosing a weaker team) quite frankly.”

Referring to the shock 20-18 defeat to France at Cardiff four years ago, Henry said: “I’m sure it provides edge and we’d be silly if we ignored that.

“A lot of the players who are playing on Saturday played in 2007 (World Cup) and they remember 1999 (losing semi-final), so I’m sure it provides a lot of edge.

“Contrary to what’s in the newspapers, we haven’t visited 2007 yet, that’s a wee bit premature, but certainly we will well before the finals (quarters and semis) start.”

Henry said leaving out Mils Muliaina for Dagg was one of his most difficult selection decisions with Muliaina just two Tests away from playing 100 internationals for the All Blacks.

“Leaving him out was difficult and it only came after long discussions and a lot of emotion involved,” coach Graham Henry said.

“We have a lot of respect for a guy with 98 Tests but we have to go with what we feel is our best team.

“It’s difficult for Mils. He’s been a high quality player for a long time for the All Blacks and so it’s a difficult selection for him, but he’ll get an opportunity and he’s the type of character who will value that opportunity and show his ability.

“We are very conscious of what Mils has done for New Zealand rugby, we really appreciate that, and hopefully we can tick all the boxes before this tournament is finished.”

New Zealand:

15 Israel Dagg, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Richard Kahui, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Adam Thomson, 7 Richie McCaw (C), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: 16 Andrew Hore, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Ali Williams, 19 Anthony Boric, 20 Andy Ellis, 21 Colin Slade, 22 Sonny Bill Williams.