After one false start, All Black captain Richie McCaw is set to wear his 100th test jersey.
When he leads his side on to Eden Park, 60,000 spectators at the ground and a global television audience will see McCaw become the first All Black to achieve that honour.
"He isa special player, a special man and inspirational to the country," All Black coach Graham Henry said.
"Not only inspirational to this rugby team but inspirational to New Zealanders because he is a world-class player.
"He is brave and highly intelligent and he is an inspiration to the players he plays with. "
McCaw has captained the All Blacks 62 times in tests since his first taste of the job in 2004. Since the Cardiff capitulation in the 2007 World Cup quarter-final, he has led the side in a further 39 internationals.
He and Sean Fitzpatrick shared similar leadership styles, Henry suggested. They were not exceptionally vocal, they led by example and set extremely high standards.
