The All Blacks have named a formidable line-up for their opening Rugby World Cup clash against Argentina at Wembley on Sunday with a starting side featuring 1013 Test caps.

Despite that huge number, 11 of the 23 will be making their first appearance at a World Cup with Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Julian Savea, Aaron Smith, Brodie Retallick, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara and Beauden Barrett all set for a maiden appearance at the game's showpiece event.

All Blacks coach Steve Hansen sits with Richie McCaw (left) and Kieran Read before New Zealand's Rugby World Cup team photo© 2015 Getty Images/2015 Getty Images

"We're all itching to get started and with 11 of the 23 players about to take part in their first Rugby World Cup match, there's real excitement, enthusiasm and hunger in the group," All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said. "We all can't wait for our Tournament to start."

Skipper Richie McCaw will lead the All Blacks out in their World Cup defence alongside usual back-row suspects Kieran Read and Jerome Kaino while Sam Whitelock combines with Retallick in the second-row. The front-row, meanwhile, consists of veteran Tony Woodcock, hooker Dane Coles and Owen Franks.

Hansen has retained the same backline from the side that defeated the Wallabies in Auckland in Bledisloe II, inside-centre Ma'a Nonu taking another step towards 100 Tests with his 98th appearance in the black jersey.

"We've had a wonderful reception here in London," Hansen said. "The boys have really enjoyed connecting with our fans and this wonderful city. But the business is about to start and we're all looking forward to that because, after all, that's why we're here.

"We've selected what we believe is a very strong team. We have the utmost respect for Argentina who we know a lot more about now because of their involvement in The Rugby Championship. But it also means they know a lot more about us."

New Zealand team to face Argentina: Ben Smith, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock.

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Wyatt Crockett, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, TJ Perenara, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams.