Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup Final © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Sir Graham Henry | Richie McCaw

Tournaments/Tours: Rugby World Cup

Teams: France | New Zealand

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has named an unchanged side for Sunday's Rugby World Cup Final against France in Auckland.

Flanker Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks into battle as they seek to defeat Les Bleus for the second time in the tournament, with a first world title since 1987 on the line.

Aaron Cruden deputises for the injured Dan Carter at fly-half once again and is paired at halfback with the influential Piri Weepu, who steered the All Blacks to victory over Australia in last weekend's semi-final and was subsequently named on the shortlist for IRB Player of the Year.

Centre Ma'a Nonu and flanker Jerome Kaino also gained nods for the sport's highest individual accolade and both start against the French, who have skipper Thierry Dusautoir among the nominees.

The only alteration to the 22 comes among the replacements, where Adam Thomson takes over from Victor Vito. The Otago flanker bagged the opening try as New Zealand cruised to a 37-17 victory against France in the Pool stages.

"Adam Thomson has played big Test match football, so he's had that experience," Henry said. "He played against the French in the first round and played well. So he's got more of a track record of playing internationals at this level. I think Victor's come a long way, so it's no reflection on his ability at all.

"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 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.

"The support the team has received from New Zealanders throughout the Tournament has been incredibly humbling and we know the country will be right behind us on Sunday night.

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 (capt), Kieran Read

Replacements: Andrew Hore, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Adam Thomson, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Sonny Bill Williams