Elsom: Trying to end New Zealand stranglehold

And captain Rocky Elsom believes his men have got the tools to do it.

The All Blacks have not lost to anyone at the Auckland venue since 1986 - when they lost to the Wallabies - and have not tasted defeat to anyone there other than their old rivals since 1984.

Both sides have ruthlessly despatched world champions South Africa so far in this, a World Cup year, and Saturday's encounter promises to be a barometer of how both are shaping up.

Their record at Eden Park gives New Zealand the pre-match edge, but Elsom does not see it that way.

"This is a very big game for us, there's no doubt about that," said the 28-year-old. "They're obviously a very good side, not too many sides have knocked them off recently and so for us those sorts of things (records) are more in the media's domain.

"For us it is just about doing our job very well and that will be the key. Invariably they often do their job very well.

"The New Zealand lineout is a much improved lineout from what it was a couple of years ago and they have performed reasonably well there I think. It's just about trying to do a better job than them."

With the World Cup being held in New Zealand, there are plenty of possible distractions for Graham Henry's men, but captain Richie McCaw is refusing to be tempted by them.

"We have to make sure we perform well this weekend, the Bledisloe is on the line so it would be nice if we get a win and be able to hold onto that for another year.

"And if we do the job right hopefully, come October, if that plays out like that it might help then," he said.

Henry has named the most experienced side in the history of New Zealand rugby for the game, with Owen Franks and Keven Mealamu packing down in the front row, with Brad Thorn and Kieran Read behind them.

"It's game one in a two-match Bledisloe Cup series involving the teams ranked number one and two in the world," Henry said.

"It's a hugely important Test and is going to be a massive challenge, but we are looking forward to that."

Henry has made seven changes to his side in total, while opposite number Robbie Deans has kept faith with the side that beat South Africa last time out.

He has made changes to his bench, though, with Luke Burgess, Lachie Turner and Dan Vickerman all coming in.