All Blacks to blitz Springbok record...

Saturday's New Zealand starting XV boasts 853 combined starting caps, blitzing the previous record of 810 set by the Springboks in 2011.

Daniel Carter last week became the first player in world rugby to kick more than 500 goals (conversions and penalties) in Test rugby (254 con, 250 pen).

- Richie McCaw last week became the most capped international Test captain, captaining the All Blacks for the 85th time in his 121st Test, surpassing Irishman Brian O' Driscoll's 84 Tests as captain.

MOST CAPPED TEST STARTING TEAMS

810 - South Africa v Australia, Durban 2011, lost 14-9

798 - Australia v Japan, Lyon 2007, won 91-3

795 - Ireland v Georgia, Bordeaux 2007, won 14-10

MOST CAPPED ALL BLACKS STARTING TEAMS

789 v England, London 2012, lost 38-21

769 v Argentina, Auckland 2011, won 33-10

766 v Australia, Auckland 2011, won 30-14

765 v Australia, Brisbane 2011, lost 25-20

756 v Australia, Hong Kong 2010, lost 26-24

• The All Blacks will surpass the world record if the starting team they have selected, comprising 853 caps, takes the field against France in Paris on Saturday.

Yahoo..

I spoke to Frans' father this morning and asked him to convey my congratulations to Frans on his selection.

He said he spoke to Frans and think he is in a very positive frame of mind about this match.   He is going all out to prove that he belongs and it is likely that Mozart will start with his normal crazy thoughts about hyper-activity of players after the game in an effort to discredit him - as is his won't.