Sonny Bill Williams misses out for New Zealand

Ma'a Nonu has been selected ahead of Sonny Bill Williams at centre for New Zealand's Rugby World Cup quarter-final clash against France.

In the battle to nail down a wing berth, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Julian Savea have been given the nod for the Millennium Stadium showdown.

That means that leading Super Rugby try-scorer Waisake Naholo has to settle for a place among the replacements in Cardiff.

Skipper Richie McCaw returns to the starting lineup after being rested against Tonga last time out, meanwhile, in a side containing 1,295 Test caps.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday evening's match, head coach Steve Hansen said: "The big boys have to step up to the plate and the team that does this the best will move through to the next round. It's as simple as that."

This weekend's meeting between New Zealand and France is a repeat of the 2011 final, which the All Blacks won to lift the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil.

New Zealand XV: Ben Smith; Nehe Milner-Skudder, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea; Dan Carter, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw, Jerome Kaino; Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Wyatt Crockett

Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina, Victor Vito, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Sonny Bill Williams