But while McCaw's selection was widely expected, after the skipper had recovered from a minor calf strain that kept him out of the game against Japan last weekend, the choices at fullback and halfback provided more intrigue.
Israel Dagg has been given the nod at fullback, usurping Mils Muliaina, who is trapped on 98 test appearances, while Piri Weepu will wear the No 9 jersey with Andy Ellis shifting back to the bench.
With three quality halfbacks in the All Blacks' squad, one was always going to miss out and Jimmy Cowan has paid the price for a couple of indifferent performances of late.
Dan Carter also returns to the side after picking up a back injury in the World Cup opener against Tonga but he said today he was still troubled by the injury, and it would need to be managed ahead of what promises to be a physical encounter against France. He was confident, however, of being fit to play.
Dagg's form has been compelling since his recovery from a serious thigh injury. He was excellent in his first outing for the All Blacks this year against South Africa in Port Elizabeth and sprightly in the World Cup opener against Tonga.
Muliaina was due to get his chance to stake a claim for the No 15 jersey last weekend against Japan but succumbed to a hamstring strain and it's not certain he will bring up 100 test appearances for the All Blacks before moving to Japan at the end of the year.
Coach Graham Henry emphasised the desire to see that happen but said sentiment couldn't get in the way of their main goal, winning the World Cup.
Saturday's game against France takes on extra meaning for most All Black fans still haunted by what happened in Cardiff four years ago but Henry tried to downplay that aspect.
The match will be the 50th test between the two countries, with the All Blacks winning 36 matches, but France have famously ousted New Zealand twice at World Cups (1999 and 2007) in four games between the two sides.
"While there is obviously intense interest in this game because of past Rugby World Cups, the focus for the team is simple,'' Henry said.
"We will have to match the physicality of the French, execute our key roles well and deal with anything unexpected which the French may throw at us.
"The French are a very good side and they often play their very best rugby against the All Blacks. They play with huge passion, lift themselves emotionally and, as always, they can never be underestimated.''
The returns of McCaw, Dagg, Weepu and Carter are the only changes to the starting side that beat Japan 83-7 in Hamilton.
Henry has named what he considers his best side with Richard Kahui and Cory Jane on the wings and Adam Thomson at No 8. Kieran Read is making good progress from an ankle injury but isn't fit to play France. McCaw's return bumps Victor Vito out of the 22.
The winner on Saturday night will top Pool A and is likely to go on to play Argentina while the loser will probably meet England in the quarterfinals.