Lock Isaac Ross will make his debut and fullback Mils Muliaina will become New Zealand's 64th captain in the first of two rugby Tests against France at Dunedin on Saturday.

Ross, 24, is the son of former All Blacks lock Jock Ross and former New Zealand women's rugby representative Christine Ross. He was named Tuesday to partner his Crusaders teammate Brad Thorn in a line-up which is severely weakened by injuries.

"He's a genuine middle of the lineout player and he's a genuine athlete," coach Graham Henry said of Ross. "So he's got all the bits and pieces to develop into a top international lock. I think he'll learn a lot from the weekend."

Muliaina will lead New Zealand in a Test for the first time in the absence of regular captain Richie McCaw who has a knee injury. In addition to Ross, two other uncapped players - flanker Tanerau Latimer and lock Bryn Evans - have been named on the reserves bench.

Utility back Luke McAlister was also named among the All Blacks reserves, although his appearance for the Barbarians against Australia in Sydney on Saturday was his first match in more than three months.

McAlister turned his back on New Zealand rugby two years ago to play for English club Sale but has returned and been fast-tracked into the All Blacks squad in the absence of injured flyhalf Dan Carter and center Conrad Smith.

All Blacks coaches Henry, Wayne Smith and Steve Hansen have been forced to name one of the most inexperienced loose forward combinations New Zealand has taken into a test in recent years.

In the absence of McCaw and No.8 Rodney So'oialo, who has a neck injury, the selectors have named flankers Adam Thompson, Kieran Read and No. 8 Liam Messam who have a combined total of only 13 Tests.

Prop Tony Woodcock will play his 50th Test for New Zealand in a front row partnership with Andrew Hore and Neemia Tialata.

Muliaina will lead the team from fullback in his 69th test.

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina (capt), 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. Res: Keven Mealamu, John Afoa, Bryn Evans, Tanerau Latimer, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane.

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