All Blacks France test

Both teacher and pupil looked pleased with this return to class.

Lock Isaac Ross will make his debut for the All Blacks in the first rugby test against France in Dunedin on Saturday.

Adam Thomson is now seen as the long-term back-up to Richie McCaw and has answered questions about his character, the All Black selectors said yesterday.

It's the fragile All Blacks rugby side that had to be named and now coach Graham Henry is calling on his wide-eyed players to seize the moment.

The All Blacks have had a training run in blustery conditions at Carisbrook as the build-up to Saturday's test against France in Dunedin continues.

Liam Messam may have played most of his season on the blindside flank for the Chiefs but he says it will not be a big adjustment to go back to the No 8 position on Saturday night.

The All Blacks turned out for training at the University Oval in Dunedin today in preparation for the test match against the French at Carisbrook on Saturday.

With temperatures falling to a mere 2degC, and being greeted on the tarmac by a pipe band, the All Blacks knew they had arrived in Dunedin.

After watching the All Blacks injury concerns mount, France now must contend with the loss of two experienced players following the climax to their domestic rugby season in Paris last weekend.