Karl Tu'inukuafe is set to become All Black number 1171. Photo /Getty
Five stats to know about the All Blacks team to face France on Saturday.
1 – There is one new cap in the squad with Chiefs prop Karl Tu'inukuafe set to become All Black number 1171. Tu'inukuafe went to Wesley College and will become the 12th player from the South
Auckland school to represent the All Blacks. Tu'inukuafe played in the same First XV side as injured All Blacks Nepo Laulala. Fellow Wesley College All Blacks include Jonah Lomu, Stephen Donald, Malakai Fekitoa, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Charles Piutau, Frank Halai, Augustine Pulu, Casey Laulala, Rhys Duggan and Doug Rollerson.
3 – Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett will start the test at Eden Park, the first time in All Blacks history that three brothers are in a starting lineup. Luke Whitelock and Sam Whitelock will play alongside each other in a test for the second time, both started against Wales last year. While Rieko Ioane, Ardie Savea and Owen Franks all have siblings who have also played for the All Blacks.
97 – Sam Whitelock will play his 97th test and will captain the All Blacks for the second time. His previous test as skipper was in Cardiff last year – a victory however he was yellow carded in that game. Whitelock will be three tests shy of becoming the eighth All Black to crack 100 tests.
0 – Whitelock has scored just five tries in his previous 96 tests, including a double on debut, his last try coming 17 tests ago against South Africa in 2016. At least he's crossed the line. Owen Franks will make his 96th appearance for the All Blacks on Saturday and has yet to score a test try.
