Highlanders will stand at each end, and in the middle of the All Blacks' back line in the clash with France this weekend.

Aaron Smith has been picked at halfback, Ma'a Nonu in the midfield and Ben Smith in the starting line-up at wing.

Team management says the outfit features a strong core of experienced All Blacks with a clutch of younger players.

The starting 15 has a combined total of 377 test caps.

The team will be captained on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland by number eight, Kieran Read.