Two more uncapped players -- flanker Tanerau Latimer and lock Bryn Evans -- are on the reserve bench of a team who will be captained for the first time by veteran fullback Mils Muliaina.
Ross will partner Crusaders teammate Brad Thorn at lock, having benefited from injuries to Ali Williams and Anthony Boric in that position.
Injury has also forced the selectors into naming a raw loose forward trio of No 8 Liam Messam, blindside flanker Kieran Read and openside Adam Thomson, who boast just 13 tests between them.
Isaia Toeava starts at centre in place of injured pair Conrad Smith and Richard Kahui, while Neemia Tialata starts at tighthead prop ahead of John Afoa.
Luke McAlister, who hasn't played for the All Blacks for nearly two years, makes his return on the reserve bench.
Seven players who started New Zealand's last test, against England at Twickenham in November, are retained in the starting lineup.
All Blacks team named today for the first of two rugby tests against France at Dunedin on Saturday:
Mils Muliaina (captain), Joe Rokocoko, Isaia Toeava, Ma'a Nonu, Rudi Wulf, Stephen Donald, Jimmy Cowan, Liam Messam, Adam Thomson, Kieran Read, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock. Reserves: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Bryn Evans, Tanerau Latimer, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane.
