Most All Blacks Test Rugby caps

• 117: Richie McCaw
• 105: Keven Mealamu
• 100: Mils Muliana
• 99: Tony Woodcock
• 95: Dan Carter

Owen Franks has hailed the career of fellow All Blacks prop Tony Woodcock, saying the Test great led a revival in New Zealand scrummaging.

Woodcock will play his 100th Test in the second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia at Westpac Stadium in Wellington ib Saturday, becoming the fourth All Blacks player to do so after flanker Richie McCaw, fullback Mils Muliana and hooker Keven Mealamu. He is the 25th 100-cap player in Test rugby, and the fifth prop in a group headed by England's Jason Leonard (119).

Tight-head specialist Franks has admired loose-head Woodcock since the 32-year-old made his debut in Cardiff 11 years ago, saying the All Blacks scrum made enormous strides when Woodcock and former tight-head Carl Hayman became the first-choice props late in 2004.

Most Capped test Props

• 119: Jason Leonard (England/British and Irish Lions)
• 107: John Hayes (Ireland/Lions)
• 103: Gethin Jenkins (Wales/Lions)
• 103: Andrea Lo Cicero (Italy)
• 99: Tony Woodcock (NZ)
• 98: Martin Castrogiovanni (Italy)

"It's not like [the New Zealand scrum] had a bad reputation before that but I think they took it to another level," Franks said. "I have a lot of respect for Tony. He's caused havoc for a lot of tight- heads over the years. He and Carl Hayman, they were pretty unstoppable."

Woodcock was typically humble on Wednesday when asked about the milestone, attributing his longevity to luck with injuries, faith from the coaches, and his rural upbringing.

"When you're growing up and the old man's got you out there working and what not, I guess that has to help," Woodcock said. "I enjoy going back to the farm. It freshens the mind up, and that's quite important at this level."

Woodcock and Franks were both unsatisfied with New Zealand's scrum performance during the 47-29 win over Australia in Sydney last Saturday. The new engagement laws turned the set-piece into a messy battle, but they are confident it can be improved this weekend.

Follow live text commentary of the Bledisloe Cup Test between New Zealand and Australia on Saturday, August 24, from 5pm (AEST), 7pm (NZT), 7am (GMT)

Owen Franks has praised the career of Tony Woodcock © Getty Images

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